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Case #2573 Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Horse and dog shot
Cassopolis, MI (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 14, 2004
County: Cass
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Jason Yeomans
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
In responding to a house fire on July 14 in the 57000 block of O'Keefe Street in LaGrange Township, Cass County authorities found Jason Yeomans, 30, of Lagrange Township standing outside the home covered in blood and smelling of accelerants.
Authorities discovered the Yeomans dog and horse shot. The horse was found dead in the barn. The dog who was found alive, later had to be put to sleep due to its injuries.
Authorities say the incident appears to have stemmed from a domestic situation, although Yeomans' wife was not home at the time of the fire.
Upon arriving at the scene shortly after midnight, they discovered a man, later determined to be Yeomans, outside the residence.
Jason Yeomans,is now charged with arson, animal cruelty, and felony firearms. Yeomans is being held at the Cass County jail on a $50,000 bond.
Prosecutor's Contact Information:
Victor A. Fitz
Cass County Law and Courts Building
60296 M-62, Suite 6
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Tel: (269) 445-4460
Fax: (269) 445-5265
Website: http://www.michiganprosecutor.org/Cass/
Case UpdatesYeomans went to prison Friday after being convicted of arson to a dwelling, animal cruelty and felony firearms last July. He will serve at least five years up to a maximum of 22.
Cass County Circuit Judge Michael Dodge recounted it was July 14 after midnight last year at 57803 O'Keefe St. when sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the O'Keefe Street home regarding a house fire and animals shot.
Defense Attorney James Tracey of Niles said Yeomans has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous every day since the incident and has sought counseling. He said he is a hard worker and works every day and is remorseful. Tracey said Yeomans' wife didn't want to make a comment. Tracey also said he is rehabilitated.
However, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning said there was no way to justify Yeomans' actions that took place. He took a firearm and shot her horse in the neck. Ronning said he went to the scene and saw where the horse had suffered and died, and there was blood all over the stall. He had been shot in the neck. He shot the dog in its face. It was not able to survive. He set fire to the house, he said. "It was a total loss. Alcohol was not an excuse," Ronning said.
Yeomans received three-to-20 years for arson to a dwelling, two-to-four concurrent years each for animal killing/torturing two animals, two consecutive years for felony firearm and another two consecutive years for a second count of felony firearm but concurrent to the first felony firearm count, restitution of $8,930.50 and $360 in costs. | Source: Dowagiac Daily News - Jan 17, 2005
Update posted on Jan 18, 2005 - 6:08AM |
Yeomans, 30, pleaded no contest to the original charges of four counts of torturing animals, one count of arson and two felony firearm counts. Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said two additional felony firearm counts were dismissed because of insufficient evidence.
The arson charge carries a possible 20-year prison term, while each animal torture charge carries a possible four-year prison sentence.
Each felony firearm charge carries a possible two-year prison term, which would be consecutive to the arson and animal torture felonies.
Both animals died, the horse within minutes and the dog after it was euthanized.
Dr. Frank Butts, a veterinarian, testified during the July hearing that the dog -- which was shot in the snout -- would never have been able to eat or drink without a feeding tube, so it was put to sleep.
Yeomans' sentencing is set for Jan. 14 at 8:30 a.m. | Source: South Bend Tribune - Nov 9, 2004
Update posted on Nov 9, 2004 - 2:21PM |
References« MI State Animal Cruelty Map
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