8 year old dog shot during burglary
San Antonio, TX (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010
County: Kendall

Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Virgil Habenicht says a burglary of his Kendall County home cost him far more than the silver coins, jewelry and prescription medicine taken during the break-in last week.

He's convinced the crime, in which the family dog was shot, hastened the death the next day of his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth.

“I feel, definitely, that it did,” the angry widower, who buried “Betty” on February 2, 2010.

The intruder or intruders struck between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2010. Kendall County Chief Deputy Matt King said the daytime burglary was unusual for the area.

The couple returned to find their residence ransacked and covered with the blood of their dog, Barney, an 8-year-old dachshund, who is recovering from a gunshot to the chest.

Elizabeth Habenicht, 78, and already in frail health, was devastated by the crime, and collapsed from heart failure at home on Thursday, her husband said.

Emergency responders were unable to revive her, said Virgil Habenicht, who is now considering carrying a sidearm for protection.

“I'm the type of guy who could shoot someone,” the Army veteran said.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information on the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's department at (830) 249-9721, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call (800) 348-5323 or e-mail [email protected].

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Kendall County Sheriff's Office
[email protected]
(830) 249-9721

References

• « TX State Animal Cruelty Map
  « More cases in Kendall County, TX

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