Deliberations Continue Monday Morning In Dog Burning Case
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A voice for all abused animals in Baltimore. In just a few hours, jurors could decide the fate of two teens accused of setting a dog on fire.
Andrea Fujii explains the outcome could influence how the city handles future animal abuse cases.
After more than 17 hours of deliberations, jurors sent two notes to the judge last week saying that they were not able to reach a unanimous decision. The judge told them that Monday morning they would be coming back to try.
It was 2009 when Phoenix the dog was doused in gasoline and set on fire with burns so severe vets tried but could not save her.
The case spewed the creation of the city's Animal Abuse Task Force and outraged animal rights advocates.
"It's something that someplace in my mind is going to stay with me always,"said an animal rights advocate.
Police arrested twins Travers and Tremayne Johnson, saying though no one saw them set the dog on fire, they were spotted running from the Guilford Avenue corner where it happened.
During last week's testimony at the courthouse, defense attorneys blasted the state's case, claiming police video showing the boys at the same corner at the right time was too grainy.
The defense also argued the witness who testified she saw them running away was motivated by the $27,000 reward that animal rights activists generated in the wake of the crime.
The twins' father says they're being made scapegoats.
"I don't think it's right because they are falsely accused of something they didn't do," said Charles Johnson.
"We're all waiting to see what the jury comes up with," said Debra Rahl, BARCS.
Animal rights activists watching closely at the courthouse are worried about the possibility of a hung jury and wanting justice for Phoenix.
"We're really anxious about this case," Rahl said. "This is the first case of this type that's gone to court in Baltimore, and it's brought awareness to the city and the citizens of Baltimore of what is not acceptable by our citizens."
The judge told jurors who were in the minority that they should consider changing their minds only if they were sure that they were wrong.
WJZ will keep following this case and let you know as soon as there is a verdict.
