Twins To Be Retried In Burned Dog Case
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Justice for Phoenix. That's what animal advocates have been calling for in the case of a pit bull set on fire.
Suzanne Collins explains the trial of two brothers for animal cruelty ended in a mistrial this week, but that won't stop prosecutors. They announced Friday they will retry the twins.
The puppy was intentionally torched. Her burns and injuries were so severe she ultimately had to be put to sleep.
It's a case that infuriated the public and led to the trial of Travers and Tremayne Johnson on charges of animal cruelty. But a deadlocked jury resulted in a mistrial on Monday.
Now the state's attorney has just announced he will try again and re-prosecute this high-profile case.
"We are very excited they are going to retry," said Jennifer Brause, BARCS executive director. "It shows [we] have a great case, support. [It's the] right thing to do. We're beyond thrilled."
Jurors in the first trial say 11 of them wanted to convict the twins even though police camera video was grainy and the evidence circumstantial. They say one juror held out for acquittal.
A new trial is now scheduled for May 4.
Many animal advocates attended the first trial, saying they did that to show they wanted justice for Phoenix.
The state's attorney says he cannot comment on his reasons for deciding to retry the case because a gag order is in place.
