Fenced dog shot in front of two children Lancaster, SC (US) Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 29, 2005 County: Lancaster Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 1 files available Alleged: Maurice Mingo

Case ID: 6885 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in SC (US) Login to Watch this Case

Two children were playing with their dog, Angel, in their fenced in yard in Lancaster when a man walked by and shot the dog in the head. The 1-year-old puppy's eye was shot out December 29, 2005, when a .38-caliber bullet plunged into its head and out its mouth, police said. "I heard the dog cry very badly, but then it was just dead silent," said owner Ethel Kilmer. She said her children were playing outside when they saw a man in the street pull the gun, fire two shots, and leave. "He didn't even run. It was like he did nothing, he just walked down the street," said Kilmer.

Angel belongs to 11-year-old Heaven Kilmer, who saw Angel's shattered face moments after the gunfire. "I looked at her leg first and thought she got hit only in the leg. That's not too bad. Then, I looked up at her face to pet her, and she had blood all over her muzzle and eye," said Heaven.

Police held 32-year-old Maurice Mingo at gunpoint, after spotting him a block away. They ordered him to the ground, and arrested him for the shooting. Kilmer is just grateful her children weren't hurt. "I just thank God because my son confronted the guy that did it. He just kept walking -- thank God -- because who knew what would've happened?" said Kilmer. For an 11-year-old girl, it's enough that Angel can still bring her a smile. "I always picture her as a beautiful puppy and I still think she is -- even if she only has one eye," said Heaven.

Mingo is charged with ill treatment of animals, carrying a pistol, and discharging a firearm.

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References

WSOC News - January 6, 2006

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