3 Arrested On Suspicion Of Stabbing Dog To Death
BURBANK (CBS)— A mother and her two children are behind bars Monday following the fatal stabbing of a family member's dog in Burbank.
Police describe the bloody crime scene as "pretty horrific."
Charissa Bodtcher, 23, and her 18-year-old brother, Timo Bodtcher, allegedly stabbed their aunt's older cocker spaniel mix, Prince, "numerous" times with an 8-inch blade Saturday, according to Burbank Leader. The brutal slaying took place at the aunt's home in the 200 block of East Cedar Avenue.
Charissa had reportedly experienced "run-ins" with the pooch in the past. "It appears that when she's come over the dog has tried to nip at her heels and has barked at her," said Burbank police Lt. John Dilibert. Charissa visited her aunt's home Saturday with the intent of doing laundry.
The duo's 47-year-old mother, Maria Theresa Bodtcher, was also arrested for allegedly helping her children dispose of the murder weapon near a dumpster at a shopping mall near Victory Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.
Prince died of his wounds while en route to the animal shelter.
Detectives are working with the L.A. County district attorney's office to investigate the murder.
All three suspects face animal cruelty and related conspiracy charges.
They are each being held in lieu of $20,000 bail and are scheduled to appear in Burbank court Tuesday.
