Three additional suspects were indicted yesterday for allegedly dousing a puppy in flammable liquid and lighting it on fire at a Pleasant Grove apartment complex in early April. The puppy, named Justice by people who rescued it, ultimately died from the burns that covered most of its body. Darius Ewing, 18, was previously arrested and awaits trial, scheduled for November.
Richard Anthony Valentine, 24, Darius Lamar Carey, 24, and Adrian Michael Ayers, 20, are charged with a third degree felony for using a deadly weapon while committing the offense, according to a release by the District Attorney's office. Valentine and Carey turned themselves in, and Ayers was already in custody for an unrelated offense. His arresting officer documented that he was involved in an aggravated assault, is a known gang member, and is a suspect in a handful of aggravated robberies.
Justice was found behind an air conditioning unit at a Pleasant Grove apartment complex on April 4. DFW Rescue Me, a local non-profit, stepped in to organize the puppy's veterinary care, but he died just over a week later. Supporters held a candlelight vigil, and the SPCA, which had been offering of $5,000 for information leading to an arrest, upped the reward to $25,000.
The three indictments arrests bring a bit more closure and hint that Justice's name will be a fitting one.
