Arson - 2 cats, 3 dogs, 5 puppies die in fire Montrose, CO (US) Incident Date: Friday, Dec 10, 2004 County: Montrose Local Map: available Disposition: Open Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 6652 Classification: Burning - Fire or Fireworks Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in CO (US) Login to Watch this Case

A year has passed since a suspected arson fire damaged the home of Kathi Tullio, and though police have identified �persons of interest,� they are still seeking information.

The fire broke out early Dec. 10, 2004, at 228 Water Street, killing two Siamese cats and eight dogs, including five recently born puppies. It sent two police officers to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, caused $12,000 in damages to the structure and destroyed $10,000-worth of Tullio�s personal property. Another fire burned a 1989 Pontiac parked at the home.

Tullio had resided in the home for about a year before the fire was set. �I just can�t understand why someone would do this to me,� she told the Daily Press last year. �I can�t believe that someone could be so evil to start a fire and close the door with my animals inside.�

Montrose Police Det. Mike Watson, who inherited the case from another detective, was unable to release much information, because the fire is still under investigation. He said he could not disclose the fire�s point of origin, whether accelerants had been used or how long the structure took to burn. He was also unable to speak of a possible motive for the apparent crime.
If a suspect is identified in the Tullio fire, he or she could be charged first-degree arson, a class-3 felony. It�s also possible any suspects could be charged with felony animal cruelty, which requires proof of knowingly, recklessly or through criminal negligence causing injury to an animal.

Anyone who has information about the Dec. 10 suspected arson is asked to contact the Montrose Police Department at 252-5200.

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References

Montrose Daily Press - December 19, 2005

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