2 dogs, 1 cat shot during home burglary, arson
Redmond, OR (US)Incident Date: Monday, Dec 12, 2005
County: Deschutes
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged:
» Aaron William Franson
» Cody Owen Hough-Nielson
» Jesse Montana Holmes
Three teens accused of breaking into a home, killing the family pets and setting it ablaze have been charged as adults with numerous felonies, including arson and weapons charges.
Aaron William Franson, Cody Owen Hough-Nielson, both 16 and from Redmond, and Jesse Montana Holmes, 15, of Terrebonne, were arrested by Redmond police on December 13, 2005, after an investigation into the incident. If convicted, they face at least seven and a half years behind bars.
The juveniles broke into the home of Don M. and Alicia L. Gilbert - in the 3000 block of Southwest Glacier Avenue - sometime during daylight hours December 12, 2005, said Lt. Wayne Shortreed of the Redmond Police Department. No one was home at the time.
Police said the boys randomly picked the house. It is less than a mile from Redmond High School, where all three boys are students.
The teens stole a large amount of personal property, including jewelry and two firearms, Shortreed said. They fired off several rounds while inside, allegedly shooting two large dogs and at least one cat. Two other cats were later found dead inside. Before leaving, police say the three set fire to the home in an attempt to hide the burglary.
The boys took time out to shoot a .22-caliber rifle at cars traveling on Highland Avenue as they hauled away their loot, Shortreed said. Police were not aware of anyone being hit.
Neighbors said they didn't hear any shots fired. But neighbor Gabrielle Jones said chain saws buzzed loudly as utility workers cut down a nearby tree, which may have drowned out the sound of gunshots. Jones said she watched the tree felling and then noticed smoke coming from the Gilbert home. She immediately dialed 911, and was the first to call. Then, Jones heard breaking glass as windows blew out and the home went up in flames.
Redmond police officers arrived at the house just before 1 p.m. on December 12, 2005, saw the flames and called in the Redmond Fire Department, Shortreed said. As firefighters worked to douse the blaze, Redmond police enlisted the help of a police dog named Rocky, who tracked the suspects for some distance but ultimately lost the scent. Police found several stolen items taken from the home as they searched the area. Much of the L-shaped home was gutted and the belongings inside destroyed. Police said one section sustained less damage and may be salvageable. Officials did not have a dollar estimate on the loss. The Gilberts declined to comment.
Neighbors said the house is a secondary concern to the deaths of the couple's animals. "They bought the house for the dogs. Those were their babies," said Susan Pittam, whose home is next door to the Gilberts. The Gilberts purchased the Southwest Glacier Avenue home in March 2005, according to Des-chutes County property records. There is a field near the 2,300-square-foot home.
An Oregon State Police fire investigator determined the fire was intentionally set. No additional details were released. The Deschutes County District Attorney's Office has filed multiple felony charges against the three teens, including arson, burglary, aggravated animal abuse and unlawful use of a weapon. Arson is a Measure 11 offense, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and six months upon conviction. Deputy District Attorney Brandi Shroyer said her office plans to present the case to a grand jury within the next week. The grand jury is expected to issue an indictment shortly thereafter.
This is not the first time the boys have had run-ins with the law. Franson has been cited by Redmond police for criminal mischief, theft, harassment and three counts of possession of tobacco. Holmes was cited by the department for disorderly conduct in April of this year.
Redmond police have cited Hough-Nielson for unlawful use of a weapon, running away and possession of tobacco on two separate occasions.
Franson, Holmes and Hough-Nielson were housed at the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting arraignment on the charges against them.
Shroyer said Holmes is scheduled for arraignment in Des-chutes County Circuit Court on December 19, 2005. Franson and Hough-Nielson will be arraigned December 20, 2005.
Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan said that if convicted, the boys would serve at least part of their sentences at the Oregon Youth Authority, where they are legally allowed to stay until their 25th birthdays. References« OR State Animal Cruelty Map
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