BESSEMER, Ala. — Community Grieves Loss of Delores Mukerson Musgrove, Fatally Mauled by Dogs in Vacant Lot

BESSEMER, Ala. — Community Grieves Loss of Delores Mukerson Musgrove, Fatally Mauled by Dogs in Vacant Lot

A devastating tragedy has shaken the Bessemer community following the death of Delores Mukerson Musgrove, a 50-year-old woman who was fatally mauled by a group of dogs in an overgrown, vacant lot.

The attack occurred Thursday morning in the 100 block of Martin Street, where authorities say Musgrove was walking when she was attacked. According to officials, several dogs emerged from a nearby lot and aggressively swarmed her, leaving her with critical injuries.

Emergency responders were called to the scene and found Musgrove unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene on July 25, 2025.

Neighbors described the lot as poorly maintained and frequently occupied by loose or stray dogs, with some claiming they had filed previous complaints. The City of Bessemer and animal control services are now working together to investigate the circumstances leading up to the attack.

Bessemer Police have confirmed that multiple dogs have since been captured and are being held by animal control. The breeds involved and ownership status of the animals remain under investigation.

“This was a horrific and entirely preventable tragedy,” said one city official. “We are committed to determining exactly what happened and ensuring that steps are taken to prevent this from ever occurring again.”

Family and friends remember Musgrove as a warm-hearted, hardworking woman who loved her family and community. Her sudden loss has left loved ones devastated and has sparked renewed concern about animal control enforcement in the area.