Frederick Martin IV, 13, and David Clark Elliott, 11, charged with felony animal cruelty in the death of a small dog. They were accused of slashing its throat, severing its paws and tail with a Weedeater as the dog hung from a chain around a tree branch.
David Elliott pleaded no contest to misdemeanor animal cruelty for mutilating a dog with a lawn tool Aug 14.
Martin had a juvenile record including felony charages for mutilating a sheep and four pigs in Ossippee, NH. That undermined Martin's credibility as a witness, said State Attorney Jerry Hill.
Frederick Martin IV went to court expecting to testify how his 11 year old friend forced him to mutilate a neighbor's small dog with a Weedeater. Instead Martin found himself squirming from discovery the 13 year old had a history of animal cruelty charges.
Each boy faces a maximum sentence of five years in a juvenile facility.
Janet and Frederick Martin III have outstanding warrants on contempt charges for failing to bring their son to trial, the judge said. Because the warrants are valid only in New Hampshire, Florida authorities cannot arrest the couple on those charges. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
Back to Top References | The Boston Globe |  | - Sept 27, 1997 |
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