Investigators believe the victims dogs, described as pit bulls, initiated a violent attack on Stephens while she was out walking them.
"The victim had defensive wounds on her hands and arms trying to keep the dogs away from her, which would be consistent with being attacked while she was still alive, Agnew told reporters during a Friday afternoon news conference.
The first traumatic injuries suffered by the woman were to her face and throat area, he said, adding that she suffered puncture marks to her skull. She lost consciousness after being taken to the ground and the dogs then mauled her to death, according to the sheriff.
Agnew described the dogs big, "strong and powerful. Each weighed about 125 pounds, about the same as their owner.
A preliminary report from the medical examiners office indicated Stephen was killed by the pit bulls. The investigation remained ongoing.
