Here's an update and more detail on the story so far.
http://www.kgun.com/story.asp?TitleID=2 ... ption=News
TEEN ARRESTED ON FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGE by Maria Neider (9/25/02)
Maria Neider
The Pima County Sheriff?s Department arrested a 14-year old boy Wednesday, in connection with a brutal case of animal cruelty. The teenager was taken into custody after he got home from Rincon High School, where he is a student. He was booked into the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center at around 6:30 p.m. Authorities are still looking for two other suspects.
On Friday, a family came home and found their blind poodle bleeding from massive internal wounds. The incident happened at a residence on Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Detectives say someone attacked the dog while it was outside in the back yard. ?Prince? suffered severe internal injuries from being sodomized with a tree branch. A veterinarian at the base euthanized the animal a few hours later.
The Pima County Sheriff?s Department says more arrests could be on the way. "There are witnesses in this case. The detectives have been working real hard to put all the pieces of the case together. It is still ongoing. As of right now, this is the only suspect we've arrested," said Officer Tom Bailey. Witnesses reported seeing more than one person.
On his way in for questioning, the teenager denied any part in the crime. Instead, he blames his arrest on his bad reputation in his neighborhood. "I don't have a great track record.? Now, he stands charged with a class 6 felony of animal cruelty. The County Attorney will decide if the 14-year old will be charged as an adult.
Local authorities are concerned about the recent jump in violent animal cruelty cases. Last month, someone mutilated three show-quality rabbits and set the cage on fire. ?The animal cruelty task force is taking a very serious look at these cases and putting a serious premium on ensuring that these cases are solved and the suspects are caught. These crimes are typically precursors towards much more serious crimes,? Bailey said.
During questioning, detectives say the teenager did not mention any other suspects, or give any admissions or denials. A hearing is scheduled for tomorrow in Juvenile Court.
* It is a KGUN policy to withhold the names of minors. In this case, the teenager will be identified if prosecutors decide to charge him as an adult.
http://www.kgun.com/story.asp?TitleID=2 ... ption=News
A 14-YEAR OLD BOY REMAINS BEHIND BARS CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY By Maria Neider (9/26/02)
Maria Neider
A 14-year old boy accused of animal cruelty will remain in the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center. On Thursday, a judge turned down the boy's parents? request for him to come home. Investigators learned the young suspect suffers from Aspberger's Syndrome, which is a form of autism. State prosecutors will conduct a psychological evaluation on the boy, for possible answers in last week's brutal mutilation of a dog. The question remains whether the boy will be charged as an adult.
Deputy Attorney Clint Stinson, "We haven't made any decisions whether we're going to ask the court to transfer the case yet or not.? For now, the teenager remains charged as a juvenile with a class 6 felony of animal cruelty. It is KGUN-9?s policy to protect his identity, unless prosecutors charge him as an adult.
Pima County Sheriff's Deputies arrested the Rincon High student yesterday, when he got home from school. He claims he doesn't know what happened to the 7-year old poodle. The dog had to be euthanized after suffering severe internal injuries from being sodomized with a tree branch.
In Juvenile Court Thursday, the boy's parents' told the judge their son is *not* a threat to himself or the community. The family even has several pets. The boy?s mother says she has never been worried about any animal abuse. Still, prosecutors wanted more time to look into the teenager's emotional state and if there have been similar problems in the past. "These are kinds of cases that, normally, other things are involved when it involves animal cruelty and cruelty to animals. So, there are usually other kinds of activity that may or may not have transpired. And we want to be cautious in allowing somebody back in the community especially, in a community where there's lots of kids and lots of animals,? Stinson said.
A spokesperson for the dog's owners told the court they are traumatized by the incident. The victims witness also said many parents in the community are *so* concerned, they have not let their kids out in the neighborhood since the abuse happened.
Authorities are still looking for two other suspects.
State prosecutors will give the 14-year old a psychological evaluation, October 1st.
If convicted, the boy could remain in juvenile jail until he turns 18.
Further proof that people suck.

By the pricking of my thumb,
Something wicked this way comes.
Open, locks,
Whoever knocks.