Man in Fresno County dog mauling death being medically, mentally evaluated

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man whose dogs are accused of mauling a man to death in 2012, was taken away in court today in handcuffs.

The victim Esteban Alavez died after investigators say he was bitten and killed by a pack of pit bulls.

Raymond Barron is being medically evaluated and then will be taken to a California Department of Corrections facility to be mentally evaluated before a judge decides what, if any punishment he should receive.

At sentencing Tuesday, Raymond Barron was not given prison time for the crime sheriff's deputies say left a Selma farm worker mauled to death. But, the district attorney's office recommended he receive probation. The judge wanted more information about Barron before she let him go.

Superior Court Judge Kimberly Gaab said, "Before making this decision, the court is desirous of having the individuals at the California department of corrections, specifically the director, psychologist, and other experts in the field provide a recommendation."

In the video, you'll see a brown pit bull mix, one of four dogs deputies took from the home where 34-year-old Esteban Alavez was found dead in the driveway.

Investigators say it's likely the dogs were all involved in biting the victim to death in a vicious dog attack.

Initially Barron's wife and 82-year-old mother were also charged, but those counts were later dismissed. Barron was the only one who answered to charges of owning a knowingly dangerous animal that caused death. Barron's attorney told the court his client is an upstanding citizen.

Barron's attorney Tomas Nunez said, "Based on his prior criminal record, and also letters from the community and his family, he is a good person and this is an unfortunate incident."

Barron's attorney told the judge he felt the evaluation was not necessary and he expects it to help his client. Despite this, the judge said the charges are serious and she wants additional opinions during a 90 day diagnostic evaluation.

Barron's wife was in court with him. She declined to talk with us.