Deliberations Resume Monday In Dog Burning Case
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A dog was killed after being set on fire in a Baltimore neighborhood. It's a crime that's turning into a test case for how the city handles animal abuse cases.
Kai Jackson explains animal advocates are watching the trial closely.
The jury will return next week and perhaps render a verdict. In the meantime, observers are weighing in on the high-profile case.
Travers Johnson left the Mitchell Courthouse in handcuffs, jailed for an unrelated issue. He and his brother Tremayne are on trial, accused of dousing a dog named Phoenix with gas in 2009 and setting her on fire. Phoenix later died.
The boys' father spoke after the jury was unable to come up with a verdict.
"I don't think it's right because they are falsely accused of something they didn't do," said Charles Johnson, suspect's father.
The case has gained national attention and is being observed by animal rights groups in Baltimore and around the country.
"I think it's an excellent trial," said Ann Gearhart, Snyder Foundation For Animals. "I think the state has presented a very good case, that they've been deliberate in their intention for 20 months."
The defense for the twins disagrees, poking holes in the case.
Attorneys argue that the prosecution's video evidence placing the teens at the scene is too grainy to be definitive. A blanket that the officer who rescued Phoenix used was lost.
And witnesses backed away from testimony.
When asked if he had faith that his sons were innocent, Charles Johnson said: "I put my life on the line that they did not do this."
Animal rights advocates are watching the cast involving Phoenix the dog very closely, convinced that the outcome could have far-reaching implications.
"Animal abuse cases are going to be treated with the same amount of regard that property offenses or human offenses are treated with," Gearhart said.
Jury deliberations resume Monday morning at the Mitchell Courthouse.
