Suspect arrested in connection with dog beheading
The Star Tribune reported Thursday that police had arrested a man who they believe is responsible for decapitating a young girl's therapy dog and leaving its head in a box on her front porch.
Despite the evidence against the man and charges expected to be filed the next day, the Star Tribune displayed solid journalistic ethics by withholding the suspects name until he was, in fact, charged with the crimes of killing a companion animal and cruelty to a companion animal. They did, however, say that the man was someone who the owner of the dog, 17-year-old Crystal Brown, befriended but grew apart from after he wanted her to be his girlfriend.
On Friday the Star Tribune ran another story, this time naming the suspect as 24-year-old Anthony Albert Gomez, who had used his cell phone to make a videoclip of the grisly act. The story also gave details on the dog, who was a 4-year-old Australian shepard mix named Chevy.
The case has recieved national recognition, and Crystal has recieved cards, donations and a general outpouring of support from people all over the world, most likely the due to the gruesome nature of the crime. Crystal suffers from despression and has recently purchased a new dog named Diesel.
There is a fact discrepency in this case, however. WCCO Channel 4 News posted an AP story on their website claiming that Gomez and Crystal had dated. This contridicts the Star Tribune's story which claims that Crystal denied any involvement outside of friendship with Gomez.