**TRIGGER WARNING: Story Contains Information/Photo’s That Some May Find Disturbing**
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, MI — A Saginaw County man is in custody after police say he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s two dogs, then sent her a photo of their bodies after she failed to respond to his demands.
According to Buena Vista Township Police, the incident unfolded shortly after midnight on March 16. Investigators say the 40-year-old suspect sent a message through his sister, telling her to have his ex-girlfriend contact him. The message included a chilling ultimatum, if she did not respond within 10 minutes, he would kill her two pit bulls.
Police say the woman did not respond in time.
Moments later, the suspect allegedly followed through on the threat, shooting both dogs, identified as Porkchop and Bruiser in the head. Authorities say he then sent the woman a graphic image showing the dogs dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
The woman contacted 911 around 12:45 a.m., prompting officers to respond to the suspect’s home on Mack Street. When police arrived, they observed the man inside the residence holding two firearms. Officers initially pulled back from the scene.
Authorities later returned with a search warrant, assisted by the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody during a traffic stop on Dixie Highway, roughly two miles from the home.
Inside the residence, investigators discovered what they described as disturbing evidence. Police reported finding bloody drag marks across the floor leading to a back exit, where the dogs’ bodies were located under a tarp.
Animal control officials recovered the remains. X-rays later confirmed each dog had a bullet lodged in its skull. The dogs are being sent to Michigan State University for necropsies.
Police also recovered two firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition from inside the home.
The suspect was already on probation at the time of the incident for prior convictions, including carrying a concealed weapon and possession of methamphetamine, conditions that prohibit him from possessing firearms.
In addition, court records show the man was facing multiple ongoing cases, including trespassing, malicious destruction of property under $200, and stalking. His ex-girlfriend is listed as the victim in those cases.
“This is an event that’s been spiraling for a while and finally hit a boiling point,” police said.
The suspect’s name has not yet been released pending formal arraignment and charges related to the killings.
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- NMD Staff
Staff@NewMediaDetroit.com