Downstate woman killed by her own pet pit bulls

SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield police are investigating the death of a 22-year-old woman mauled to death by her pet pit bulls.

Police are not releasing the woman's name. She was found dead inside her home Sunday afternoon, and authorities have described the scene as gruesome.

Springfield Deputy Chief Clay Dowis says investigators are interviewing a man who lived at the home with the victim. He says police believe the woman's death was an accident.

The two dogs and a puppy found at the home are being kept by animal control officers.

The woman's autopsy is scheduled for this week.