No Bond for Man Arrested in Connection to Dog Shooting

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Updated: 1:25 PM May 12, 2011 No Bond for Man Arrested in Connection to Dog Shooting A 21-year-old Greene County man arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of a family pet in Albemarle County was denied bond Thursday. The case will now go before a grand jury in June. Posted: 11:53 AM May 12, 2011 Reporter: Ruth Showalter Email Address: ruth.showalter@newsplex.com

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May 12, 2011

A 21-year-old Greene County man arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of a family pet in Albemarle County was denied bond Thursday.

Brian Tichner, of Dyke, was not a candidate for bond because of previous criminal issues, the General District Court judge ruled. Records indicate he was accused three years ago of breaking and entering and grand larceny.

Tichner, who has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, waived his right to a preliminary hearing. While he admits to being in the car when the shot was fired, he denies pulling the trigger and killing Mattie, a 10-month-old Siberian Husky belonging to Ed and Yvonne Scarborough.

The case will now go before a grand jury in June.

Tichner's defense attorney, David Heilberg, said the following about the case: "My client has put himself at risk by telling the truth to the Commonwealth. My client was just along for the ride."

His alleged partner in the crime, 26-year-old Justin Riggs, of Charlottesville, was previously denied bond. He's been charged with cruelty to animals, taking game or fish during closed season and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Tichner testified on May 5 that Riggs pulled the trigger and killed the dog. He admitted there was a gun in the vehicle and that his dad was driving the vehicle when the dog was shot.

In January, the Scarborough family reported the shooting outside their home in the Fray's Grant neighborhood in Earlysville.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Mom of 2 Location: Greene on May 13, 2011 at 08:28 AM

I think the judicial system is doing a GREAT thing by holding both of these men without bond. Now, if I recall the news report originally stated that Mr. Tichner and Mr. Riggs were friends. That being the case, WHY is Mr. Tichner trying to point all the blame on Mr. Riggs? If Mr. Tichner was along with Mr. Riggs then I believe that makes him just as GUILTY....

Posted by: D Dee on May 13, 2011 at 06:01 AM

I don't understand how a felon who is accused of killling a dog is kept in jail and a felon who is accused of killing a man gets out on bond. I think something is wrong with that picture.

Posted by: lei on May 13, 2011 at 02:04 AM

Tich, if u was alon jus for dat rid din why di yor frins no bot it? yu shoda stayd up in da roach holla. And yo lawya is a pos 4 suppotin ya.

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