MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - An animal protection group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect who shot and killed a Cooper Young resident's dog during a home invasion robbery.
Memphis police were called to the 800-block of S Cox Street just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 6.
The victim told officers she had just come home and walked to the back to check on her dog when she saw an armed man in her kitchen. The suspect demanded money, but she told him her purse was still in the car. The suspect kept insisting she give him her money when the dog ran into the kitchen and confronted him. The suspect then shot the dog and forced the victim back to her car at gunpoint. He took her purse and threatened to kill her, then jumped the gate and was last seen running north towards Nelson Avenue.
The victim rushed her dog, a German shepherd mix named Wrigley, to the vet where he later died.
Upon hearing of the crime, In Defense of Animals (IDA), the international animal protection organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Mississippi, offered up a $5,000 reward for the suspect's conviction.
“The cold-bloodedness of this crime indicates what a danger this killer is to all of us,” said Eric Phelps, Emergency Response Unit Coordinator for IDA. “Someone knows who did this, and he or she will be serving the entire community by stepping forward.”
The suspect is described as a black male in his 20's, about 5'8" and 160 lbs, last seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, black shorts and a black hat. Anyone with information on this robbery should call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH (2274). You can also submit your tip at 528cash.org, or text the word AWARD to 274637 (CRIMES). You will remain anonymous, and you could be eligible to receive a cash reward.
To contact IDA, call (415) 448-0074.
