Update on the Leo dog road rage case

[dublin]

Mr. Burnett is scheduled for sentencing in this case by Judge Murphy on Friday. Astoundingly enough, a presentencing report from an investigator at the Probation Department is recommending probation, rather than ANY jail time, stating that Mr. Burnett has shown “remorse for the victim and accepts responsibility for the death of the dog although he denied intent”.

The report notes his lack of a prior criminal record (although he is facing a trial on 4 or 5 other unrelated criminal counts later this summer) and apparently makes no mention of his prior history of animal abuse, when he beat a dog to death while in the Navy.

I am stunned, to put it mildly, and very angry about this recommendation. I hope that Judge Murphy will see fit to sentence him to the maximum jail time allowable for this offense, and I will followup here with the results of the hearing on Friday.

Here’s the article from today’s San Jose Mercury News for anyone who is interested:

http://www0.mercurycenter.com/premium/front/docs/leo12.htm

“Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.” - Dennis Miller

[dublin]

I just read a brief AP news article online saying that the judge sentenced Mr. Burnett to the maximum 3 years in jail… THANK YOU, Judge Murphy!

I will post a more detailed article when it appears online.

“Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.” - Dennis Miller

[rileyt]

Really Dublin??? That’s GREAT! Who the heck is this California probation investigator who filed the pre-sentence report anyway? I’ve never heard of that! I’m glad Judge Murphy gave him jail time. The sicko. I don’t think he’s shown one shred of remorse.

[dublin]

Mr. Burnett is scheduled for sentencing in this case by Judge Murphy on Friday. Astoundingly enough, a presentencing report from an investigator at the Probation Department is recommending probation, rather than ANY jail time, stating that Mr. Burnett has shown “remorse for the victim and accepts responsibility for the death of the dog although he denied intent”.

The report notes his lack of a prior criminal record (although he is facing a trial on 4 or 5 other unrelated criminal counts later this summer) and apparently makes no mention of his prior history of animal abuse, when he beat a dog to death while in the Navy.

I am stunned, to put it mildly, and very angry about this recommendation. I hope that Judge Murphy will see fit to sentence him to the maximum jail time allowable for this offense, and I will followup here with the results of the hearing on Friday.

Here’s the article from today’s San Jose Mercury News for anyone who is interested:

http://www0.mercurycenter.com/premium/front/docs/leo12.htm

“Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.” - Dennis Miller

[Dementia_13]

There is justice in the world!

Now can we hope that the jerk who beat the horse to death (was it in California – not sure) is suitably punished as well.

[Beezer]

I bet the report’s author has the attitude of, “Hey, it was just a dog.”

Here’s hoping that the judge is a devoted dogperson. (Picture fingers-crossed icon here.)

Bulletin Board Goddess

[dublin]

Here’s a bit more detailed article from the AP wire services…

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010713/us/road_rage_dog_5.html

[Cactuskate]

I had just read that coverage on the Yahoo page. Hooray!!! The beginning of some Justice for Leo.

It would be nice to imagine the “system” having some kind of decency about it.

Thanks dublin, for keeping us up to date.

“The older I get, the better I used to be.”

[wtywmn4]

Weeeeeell, heard on the radio that this “person” was really sorry he had hurt Leo. Yeah right. And that they think he should be allowed a light sentence for good behavior. EXCUSE ME??? First, he has never shown any remorse, and still doesn’t. He’s in jail on burglary charges from a different incident. Sounds like an upstanding individual to me!!! The prosecuting district attorney is going for the full 3 years that the law allows. Keep your fingers crossed on this one.

[wtywmn4]

Wahoo!!! It was on 20/20 last nite. He got the three years! John Stossel made a comment about the 3 yr given to the defendent. Maybe more of a sneer about the sentencing. Guess not everyone believes in justice for aminals…

[dogchushu]

I’m sorry, but it’s just too convenient to “show remorse” when you’re about to be sentenced. I just hope the judge can see through this phoney stuff!

[dublin]

Here’s today’s front page story from the Mercury News regarding the outcome of the trial. I’m glad to see Judge Murphy clearly grasped the significance of the crime, since Mr. Burnett and his attorney obviously don’t…

Mr. Burnett’s next criminal trial begins Monday, and I will post an update when it is concluded. The more jail time this scumbag has to serve, the better!

http://www0.mercurycenter.com/premium/front/docs/leo14.htm

“Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.” - Dennis Miller

[Helen]

It really burns me that most cases of animal abuse seem to be treated leniently. I don’t think it’s any secret these days that people prone to violence tend to start off with those who are most helpless - often animals - and progress from there.

[Merry]

I thought they had a jailhouse recording of his phone conversation with his (blech) fiance, where they discussed going on a Jerry Springer-like show and having a dog kicking contest? Isn’t that admissable?

“Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America”