A Clayton County man who abandoned two pit bulls, one of which died, is in custody, police said.

Matthew Darnell Jeffries, 47, vacated his house in the 5000 block of Denson Boulevard in Morrow and left the dogs, police said. They were found outside the house in a wooden crate, Channel 2 Action News reported.

On Dec. 5, police rescued the dogs, both of which were exposed to bad weather and had inadequate food and little or no shelter.

The dog that survived has been adopted and is doing well, police said.

Jeffries is charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals and cruelty to animals, police said.

In other news:

The family of a pilot killed in a plane crash is speaking about his character and professionalism.