A Kane County Sheriff’s Department spokesman refuted an article in Tuesday’s Chicago Tribune which said drugs might have been involved in the death of an NIU student mauled by two pit bull dogs Thursday.

The spokesman, who would not give his name, said the Kane County Sheriff’s police are “absolutely not” linking the case to drug involvement.

Kevin Cull, 25, a graduate student in analytical chemistry, was fatally attacked by the two dogs while visting a friend at 33W518 Fabyan Pkwy., in rural Geneva Township.

Although Kane County Sheriff John Randall was quoted in the Tribune as saying, “Definitely we are looking into whether drugs had anything to do with it (the pit bull attack),” the spokesman said he believes Randall meant that, in general, some people involved in drug transactions might own pit bull dogs.

The article stated that the owner of the dogs, Thomas Kennedy, 29, and his house guest Michael Hatchell, 25, who discovered Cull after the attack, might have had past contact with DuPage County police.

In regard to the pit bull attack, charges have not been filed against Kennedy, the spokesman said.

When asked if Cull had ever been investigated by DeKalb police for drug involvement, DeKalb Det. Dan Gerace said, “No, not that I am aware of.”

DeKalb police Sgt. Chuck Kross said Cull was never arrested by DeKalb police for any reason.

DeKalb County State’s Attorney Phil DiMarzio said Cull did not have any record of drug arrests or convictions in DeKalb County.

When asked if the University Police ever investigated or arrested Cull for drug involvement, UP Capt. James Webster said “I would not release that information because it is against the law.”

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s office would not comment on the pit bull attack, because the case is still under investigation, a spokesman said.

Rodger Stutz, Kane County deputy rabies inspector, said a decision of whether or not to destroy the dogs has not been made yet. He said it might be about 14 days before a hearing is even held to determine a decision. The dogs currently are impounded at an Oswego veterinary clinic.

According to the Tribune article, Kennedy has agreed to have one of his dogs destroyed. He believes one dog broke its chain and attacked Cull, the article stated.

A neighbor and employees from Graphic Concept, 33W480 Fabyan Pkwy., said they have seen one pit bull loose.