An Amazonia woman is behind bars tonight for allegedly decapitating a kitten with her bare hands. Several witnesses say the bizarre story didn't end with the alleged animal abuse.
Tiny kittens crawl out of a basket in Craig Henderson's basement. The litter of five is down to four. The act that allegedly sealed the fifth felines fate is felony animal abuse. Prosecutor Steven Stevenson says the charge is a felony because the kitten was allegedly mutilated while it was alive. Kelly Rader says she saw that mutilation happen. She says she was moving her belongings out of her former roommate Deb Hontz`s trailer when she found a litter of stray kittens. She says Hontz became upset because several strays had torn up her trailer in the past. Rader said, "I said look Deb, you have kittens and she said, `I`m going to kill them` and that`s when she grabbed one of the kittens and ripped it`s head off."
Rader`s neighbor and friend Craig Henderson was already watching the argument from his house. He says he distracted Hontz long enough for his wife to go and retrieve the dead cat from a trash can. The Henderson`s then called the Andrew County Sheriff`s Department who came and took the body for evidence. The Henderson`s say the trouble didn`t end there.
Later that day they couldn`t find their Albino Pit Bull, Diamond. Henderson said, "I walked to the corner and saw Deb Hontz with my own eyes put my dog in her truck so I grabbed the keys and it was a chase." A chase that ended in St. Joseph and landed Diamond a one night's stay at the animal shelter.
The Henderson`s had to describe distinguishing characteristics about their dog in order to get her back. Something that wasn`t difficult for an owner who brushes his dog`s teeth and paints her nails pink. Henderson said, "If I could have put an Amber Alert out for her I would have. She`s everything to our family we love her and we`re happy to have her back home safe."
Rader, the Henderson`s, and Diamond are now taking care of the rest of the kittens. Bottle feeding them every few hours hoping someone will want to adopt them. Then a jury will take care of all three of the charges against Hontz.
Hontz faces felony animal abuse charges, felony animal theft charges, and misdemeanor trespassing charges. She`s being held at Andrew County Jail on a $25,000 bond. Case UpdatesHONTZ , DEBORAH LYNN , Defendant
247 MERIDIAN
AMAZONIA, MO 64421
06D1-CR00206 - ST V DEB L HONTZ
Date of Birth: 08/28/1958
Charge/Judgment
Description: Animal Abuse/Torture/Mutilation While Animal Was Alive - Persistent Offender { Felony D RSMo: 578.012 }
Date: 05/01/2006
Code: 3654500
Ticket Number: 040380278
Arresting Agency: SO ANDREW COUNTY-SAVANNAH
Next Charge/Judgment
Description: Stealing Animals { Felony D RSMo: 570.033 }
Date: 05/02/2006
Code: 1503200
Ticket Number: 040380278
Arresting Agency: SO ANDREW COUNTY-SAVANNAH
Next Charge/Judgment
Description: Trespass - 1st Degree { Misdemeanor B RSMo: 569.140 }
Date: 05/02/2006
Code: 5704000
Ticket Number: 040380279
Arresting Agency: SO ANDREW COUNTY-SAVANNAH
Next Charge/Judgment
Description: Trespass - 1st Degree { Misdemeanor B RSMo: 569.140 }
Date: 05/02/2006
Code: 5704000
Ticket Number: 999999999
Arresting Agency: SO ANDREW COUNTY-SAVANNAH
Issuance
Issued To: HONTZ, DEBORAH LYNN
Date Issued: 05/03/2006
Document Issued: Warrant for Arrest
Due Date: 01/26/2009
Document ID: 06-ARWA-1124
Bond Amount: $25,000.00
Bond Text: CASH OR COURT APPROVED SURETY
Return
Type Of Service: Warrant Served
Service/Attempt Date: 05/04/2006
Served To: HONTZ, DEBORAH LYNN
Case 06D1-CR00206
TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2006
MICHAEL J. ORDNUNG Courtroom
Counsel Status Hearing
Date: May 30, 2006 at 09:00 a.m.
Event Text: Location:Division 2 Associate Division Andrew | Source: Buchanan County Courthouse - May 3, 2006
Update posted on May 22, 2006 - 12:39AM |
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