Justice Served After Dog Was Hanged and Stabbed After Adoption

In Defense of Animals has commended the sentencing of three out of four individuals who pled guilty to the brutal hanging and stabbing of Deron, a dog adopted from an Indianapolis shelter just days before his death. This case has drawn national attention and sparked calls for stronger animal cruelty laws in Indiana.

Deron’s murder on August 6, 2022, horrified the nation. Nine days after his adoption by Zech Hilton Thomsen from Indianapolis Animal Care Services, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) received a report of a dog strung up by his leash and bleeding on a porch. Witnesses reported four adults surrounding Deron, with one holding a knife. A portion of the incident was captured on a doorbell camera, revealing the harrowing details.

Zech Hilton Thomsen, with a history of criminal activity, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for the killing of Deron. This sentence follows a 27-year term for the 2022 murder of Vincent Lovett Clifton, Jr. Thomsen faced multiple charges, including torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal, battery against a public safety official, obstruction of justice, and resisting law enforcement. Sierra Makin, charged with battery resulting in bodily injury to a public safety official, obstruction of justice, and resisting law enforcement, received a three-year sentence. She will serve one year in prison, one year in Marion County Community Corrections, and has been mandated to attend anger management classes.

Denita Lynn Hughes, who obstructed justice, was sentenced to 304 days of probation and fined $100. The final defendant, Clifford Massey, charged with torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal and obstruction of justice, has a change of plea hearing scheduled for June 20.

Officer Nickolas Smith, who responded to the initial call, found two women cleaning the porch where Deron was killed. Despite attempts to mislead him, Officer Smith discovered Deron’s body in a trash can, a leash still around his neck, and a bloody steak knife nearby. Attempts by Makin to flee and resist arrest led to further violence, with Makin assaulting Officer Smith and Thomsen striking a backup officer.

In Defense of Animals praised the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of strong penalties to deter animal abuse. Doll Stanley, Senior Campaigner for the organization, highlighted the broader societal danger posed by individuals who harm animals. Over 18,000 supporters petitioned for maximum sentencing in this disturbing case.

Speak Up Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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