After the death of a local 5year-old girl, detectives from Simi Valley Police Department have launched an investigation to determine whether charges should be pressed against the owner of the dog that bit the young girl.

Katya Teresa Todesco was attacked the evening of Sept. 23 at the home of a friend in the 1000 block of Appleton Road, according to Lt. Paul Fitzpatrick of the police department.

Katya died Sept. 26 as a result of the attack.

On Oct. 8, detectives from SVPD and a representative from the Ventura County district attorney's office served a search warrant at the home where the attack took place.

"Information obtained during the early stages of the inquiry into this incident resulted in an immediate expansion of this investigation to determine any criminal culpability by the person(s) involved," said Simi police department Sgt. Adam Darough.

The dog, a 60-pound pit bull mix named Bubba, is being held by Ventura County Animal Regulation and will be euthanized upon completion of the investigation.

Simi Valley Police Department officials are asking anyone with information about this case to call (805) 583-6950.

—Joann Groff