Arrest made in connection with death of 86-year-old woman killed by dogs

BAXLEY, Ga. (WTOC) - A 53-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the death of Maria D. Nunez, who was mauled to death by two dogs in her yard in Baxley on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

According to a press release from the Appling County Sheriff’s Office, Misty Ann Branch of Baxley, Georgia, has been charged with Reckless Conduct and Involuntary Manslaughter.

Appling County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Emergency Personnel were dispatched to 207 Poplar Lane, Baxley, Georgia, around noon on October 8.

When they arrived, 86-year-old Nunez was found deceased outside her residence.

According to Appling County Chief Deputy Gene Davis it didn’t take long for the deputies to see the woman had died as a result of a dog attack. Davis says thanks to the security footage their investigators were able to find the two dogs, responsible who they say belonged to Nunez’s neighbor, Misty Branch. Both dogs have been taken away and Misty Branch has been booked into the County Jail on charges of reckless conduct and involuntary manslaughter.

But her death has sparked concern over the lack of animal control in the county.

In 2024, another woman, 59 year old Estine Castillo was attacked by 4 dogs while walking, while Castillo survived, Nunez did not. Although the two incidents are completely unrelated to each other, another vicious dog attack has created unease to those weighing online. A concern in the county that Davis says they are working on.

“We do have a dog problem, just like every other county that does not have an animal control unit, but we are working with the board of commissioners to rectify the situation,” Said Davis

Sheriff Mark Melton of the Appling County Sheriff’s Office asks that if you have any information pertaining to this case to please call the Sheriff’s Office at 912-367-8120.