Sentencing delayed for St. Joe County cop who killed girlfriend's dog

[douglas9]

Source: South Bend Tribune

A judge today postponed sentencing a former police officer for killing his girlfriend’s dog, saying he needed more time to review the matter.In a case that has infuriated animal rights activists around the country, Curt Seufert, 34, faces up to a year in jail after having pleaded guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty. The former St. Joseph County police officer has admitted to beating her Akita, named Lexi, to death in November 2005 after the couple, who were then living together, had argued about part-time jobs.

His former girlfriend, South Bend police officer Jennifer Radican, subsequently obtaining a protective order against Seufert, saying she feared he would hurt her next.

Judge John Marnocha had been set to sentence Seufert today. But the judge said he had just today received a report, agreed to by prosecutors and Seufert, stipulating facts to which both sides agree. Marnocha said he needs more time to review that report.


• Lexi died as a result of Seufert’s conduct, but the evidence does not support the conclusion that Seufert intended to kill her.

Read more: http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20071212&Category=News01&ArtNo=71212074&SectionCat=news&Template=printart

[mike_c]

1. that is a SICK individual....

Has a fight with his girlfriend, cannot exert sufficient control over her responses, so he beats her dog to death because he CAN control the animal.

It is very hard for me to not wish him a very tough time in jail.

[xchrom]

2. how is killing her dog -- not a direct and violent threat against her?

what kind of time does it take to think about that?

[LeftyMom]

3. Abusers do that a lot.

They'll hurt or threaten to hurt a pet or a child if they're too cowardly to attack the partner, since that's almost a fair fight.

edit: This is why more DV shelters should take pets. Often women stay if they can't effect a safe escape for the whole family.

[Kolesar]

4. I feel sick

I almost don't want to think about it.

[xchrom]

6. i agree DV's should take pets.

in a situation like that -- you just can't predict what will happen.

plus a beloved pet could only help in the recovery process.

[HuffleClaw]

5. why are criminal cops always coddled?

it seems to me they would merit harsher treatment for abusing their position.