Two Arrested For Shooting Dog in Albemarle County

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Updated: 7:23 PM Mar 31, 2011 Two Arrested For Shooting Dog in Albemarle County Two men have been arrested in connection with a fatal dog shooting in northern Albemarle County. A Siberian Husky was shot in front of its owners' house in January. Posted: 7:12 PM Mar 30, 2011 Reporter: Jessica Jaglois Email Address: jessica.jaglois@newsplex.com

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March 31, 2011

Albemarle County Police have arrested two people in connection with the fatal shooting of a family pet in the Earlysville area of the county. A 10-month-old Siberian Husky named Mattie (seen below) was killed in January.

Justin Riggs, 26, of Charlottesville, has been charged with cruelty to animals, taking game or fish during closed season, and possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a violent felony. Brian Tichner, 21, of Dyke, has been charged with possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a violent felony.

Riggs was arrested on Tuesday and Tichner on Wednesday. Both are being held at the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail pending a bond hearing. Police believe both men were hunting in the neighborhood at the time the dog was shot.

Both men also have a criminal past. Court records indicate Riggs has been previously charged with firing a missile into an occupied vehicle and several other minor offense, including a probation violation. Tichner was accused three years ago of breaking and entering and grand larceny.

On January 15, Ed and Yvonne Scarborough reported that their 10-month-old Siberian Husky, Mattie, was shot and killed in front of their house in the Fray's Grant neighborhood.

The Scarborough family initially offered a $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. The community rallied around the effort and added to the reward, increasing it to $26,000.

The reward has not been handed out.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Wireless reader Location: Albemarle on Apr 2, 2011 at 01:29 PM

I'm happy for Mattie's family that these cruel people were caught. People don't understand how emotionally attached people become to their pets, the emotional impact of this type of senseless act is profound. I do hope Albemarle County courts are more protective of your rights than they were mine when my 11 month old puppy was killed.

Posted by: johnny Location: ruckersville on Apr 2, 2011 at 01:00 PM

These ingrates should be executed. They will only do worse harm if left to live. Such creatures always do.

Posted by: Antoinette on Apr 2, 2011 at 11:54 AM

I have a little dog and if anything would happen to her I would be devastated. I could not offer a reward because I live paycheck to paycheck so do my friends. @Dan you are right raise money for a cause that will actually help missing persons we have one in Orange,I am sure the money could be used to help find Samantha. Donate to the Crime Lab for newer equipment to find unsubs through technology, or divide it up to different charities or for the Proms after party that won't happen this year due to lack of funds people can raise money for a reward but aren't willing to help with donations to make prom night safe for your children our children. Think about it???

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