Family Of Man Killed By Pit Bulls Upset About Dog Owner's Sentence

The family of a man killed by pit bulls is frustrated the owner of the dogs is going to prison for only four years. Prosecutors said it would've been hard to prove the suspect ordered his dogs to attack and kill the victim, but the victim's family said four years is not justice.

Curtis "CJ" Wickham's family members said they're not only frustrated with the plea deal, but also that the dogs are still alive.

“Not one second that goes by that I don't think of him," said CJ's mom Vickie Cummings. Vickie said her son CJ Wickham loved NASCAR, the Raiders, and his family.

They've made sure he’s not forgotten -- from their tattoos, to telling funny stories about him, and a shrine with all his favorite things. ”He loved his family, he was a good person," said Cummings.

“CJ was a gentle, kind soul," said aunt Nancy Clark. "He was quiet.”

CJ died after three dogs attacked him at a west Tulsa home. Prosecutors said Benjamin Spence told the dogs to attack CJ.

“That's the hardest part, knowing for the last 14 minutes of his life he was basically tortured," said Cummings.

"The sentencing was another slap in the face for us," said sister Curstie Wickham. Spence pleaded no contest to second degree manslaughter last week and was sentenced to the maximum of four years. He'll get credit for the 18 months he's already been in jail.

“They did so much injustice to us as a family," said Cummings. Prosecutor Erik Grayless said one key witness repeatedly changed her story and the other one didn't want to cooperate, so proving Spence commanded the dogs to kill CJ would have been difficult. He said the case is heartbreaking but the agreement was the best option.

"We will be his voice forever, till my last breath," said Cummings. "I promise.”

Spence’s attorney said it’s horrible CJ died but said there was a fight before the dog attack and the dogs were reacting to that. He said he’s fighting to keep the dogs alive. However, CJ's family wants the dogs put down.