COMPTON – A man faced charges at a Compton Superior Court appearance on 09/08/2021 for killing his family’s dog out in the open. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Southeast Division had given quick response on 08/22/2021 to a call originating at a Southeast L.A. community park, where Hennessy, a Welsh Corgi mix, had been allegedly hung on a fence post and set ablaze.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office (LA DA), Prosecutors allege that Brandon Jerold Smith (dob 3/29/97) of Los Angeles used lighter fluid to light her on fire. The beloved family pet was reportedly transported for immediate care, but succumbed to her injuries.
Smith, who has been incarcerated since the horrific incident, faces two charges – one felony count of cruelty to an animal, and a felony count of arson of property of another. In addition, the case includes an allegation that the defendant used lighter fluid as a deadly and dangerous weapon.
The Case #TA155436, which remains under investigation by the LAPD Southeast Division, had been scheduled for arraignment on September 8th in Department 12 of L.A. Superior Court’s Compton Branch.
As a result, LA DA George Gascón announced, “A man was charged today with killing a dog by setting it on fire.” He then added, “One of the most important responsibilities of my office is to protect the most vulnerable – that includes our pets.”
