Dog beaten to death during domestic dispute - Virginia Beach, VA

Sunday, Jul 15, 2007

County: Virginia Beach City

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Dismissed

Person of Interest: Phillip Michael Thomas

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

Virginia Beach Police need the public's assistance in locating a man wanted for Felony Animal Cruelty. The suspect, identified as Phillip Thomas, 43, is believed to have killed a Pekingese that belonged to his girlfriend.

On Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 11:30 p.m., Virginia Beach Animal Control Officers were dispatched to Thomas' home in the 1300 block of DePaul Way in Virginia Beach. Upon arrival they found the body of the dog inside the home.

The dog was removed from the home and transported to animal control to be held until a necropsy could be performed. The necropsy was performed on Monday, July 16, 2007 at a local veterinary hospital. The results of the necropsy indicated that the dog died of trauma.

The investigation revealed that Thomas and his girlfriend got into an argument Sunday evening. Following the argument, Thomas went downstairs. After several minutes his girlfriend heard a commotion downstairs and went to investigate. She found that Thomas had left the residence and that her dog was dead.

Anyone with information regarding Thomas' whereabouts is encouraged to call the Emergency Communications Center at 385-5000 or the Virginia Beach Crime Solvers Office at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887). Callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward if their information leads to an arrest.

This case remains under investigation by the Department's Animal Control Bureau with AC Officer Sheila Irving as the lead investigator.

Case Updates

Prosecutor: Philip Hollowell Office of the Commonwealth Attorney 2425 Nimmo Parkway Building 10 B, 2nd Floor Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9050 Phone: 757-385-4401 Fax: 757-385-1288 Judge: Pamela Hutchins Virginia Beach District Court 2425 Nimmo Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9122 Phone: 757-385-4707 Fax: 757-385-1065

Update posted on Nov 8, 2007 - 12:55PM

According to court records, on September 14, a nolle prosequi was filed by the Commonwealth of Virginia on felony animal cruelty charges against Phillip Michael Thomas. No details regarding the reasons are currently available. A nolle prosequi is an entry made on the record, by which the prosecutor or plaintiff declares that he will proceed no further. Generally an entry of nolle prosequi is made when the prosecutor representing the state's interest believes that an adjudication of the charges is not in the interest of the public or that the available and admissible evidence is not sufficient to satisfy a jury beyond reasonable doubt. This entry does not prevent the state from refiling the charges at a later date if circumstances are warranted and further evidence has been collected.

Source: Virginia Beach District Court Case #GC07011784-00 Update posted on Sep 17, 2007 - 5:27PM

A man wanted on animal cruelty charges has been arrested. Virginia Beach Police arrested Phillip Michael Thomas on Thursday. Thomas is being held without bond at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center.

Source: WAVY - July 22, 2007 Update posted on Jul 22, 2007 - 6:31AM

References

• WAVY - July 20, 2007

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