APPLING COUNTY, GA — The Appling County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 53-year-old Misty Ann Branch of Baxley in connection with the death of 86-year-old Maria D. Nunez, who was killed in a fatal dog attack on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Authorities initially responded to a call at approximately 1200 hours on Popular Lane, where deputies and emergency personnel found Ms. Nunez deceased outside her residence with multiple injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that Nunez was violently attacked by two dogs while in her yard. The dogs believed to be responsible were located and secured by authorities. Her body was transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab in Pooler for autopsy.
Following the investigation, Misty Ann Branch has been charged with Reckless Conduct and Involuntary Manslaughter. At the time of the incident, Branch was identified as the person responsible for the animals involved in the attack.
The Appling County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case in coordination with the Appling County Coroner’s Office. Sheriff Mark Melton urges anyone with information to contact the Appling County Sheriff’s Office at 912-367-8120.
