Caretaker dies in mauling by film star’s 200lb dogs

A MAN who died in a dog attack at the home of Mission Impossible actor Ving Rhames has been identified as Jacob Adams, 40, of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles county coroner’s officials said the exact cause of death was unknown pending a post-mortem examination.

Mr Adams had been living on Rhames’ Brentwood property for about two years as a caretaker for the actor’s dogs when he was attacked on Friday, police said.

Two mastiffs, each weighing about 200lb, apparently attacked Mr Adams whose body had numerous bite marks when it was found on the front lawn by officers.

Coroner’s officials said Mr Adams might have been mauled to death, but may also have died of heart failure during the attack.

Three bull mastiffs and an English bulldog were seized by animal services following the attack.

Rhames, 46, who also appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, was not home at the time of the attack. The actor told Time magazine in 2001 that he had eight Fila Brasileiro mastiffs — the national dog of Brazil, also used by US Marines in jungle warfare.

“Two of those dogs appeared to be responsible for the tragic death,” said a police spokesman, adding that “several” dogs remain at the property.

Police were called by someone reporting a dead body at the home.

“The victim had a large number of bites and scratches which appear to be dog bites,” said Lieutenant Ray Lombardo.