KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Charges were filed Friday in connection with a pit bull attack that killed a 71-year-old woman Thursday.

Police said Derick D. Lee, 32, was charged with involuntary manslaughter. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

Officers said Lee owns the house next to Jimmie May McConnell. She was in her garden Thursday morning at 3100 Longwood Ave. when a dog jumped the fence and mauled her. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Officials said McConnell had a heart condition, and she couldn't recover from the stress of the dog attack.

About 12 relatives gathered Friday at the police station to hear about the arrest in the case.

"I'm glad they have them in custody," said Mark McConnell, the victim's son.

Relatives said McConnell had complained previously about her neighbor's dogs and that she had been scared the dogs were going to attack her.

Police said Lee was arrested at the Wyandotte County Courthouse where he had appeared on unrelated charges of possession of crack cocaine and battery of an officer.

Pit Bull Amnesty Program

Pit bulls are banned in Wyandotte County. Animal control officers said Friday they are starting an amnesty program for dog owners to relinquish illegal pit bulls.

Owners can take the dogs to the Animal Control Center at 3301 Park Drive in Kansas City, Kan. For two weeks, the center will have extended hours for owners to turn in the pit bulls. The amnesty program hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Officials said the owners should keep the illegal animal in his or her vehicle and then contact a staff member.

For questions or to report an illegal pit bull, call 913-573-8911.