Watch CBS News

Stanton Man Accused Of Killing Dog By Slitting His Throat

WESTMINSTER (CBS) — A man has been charged with trying to burn down his sister's home and killing his dog by poisoning him and slitting his throat.

Jamie Arturo Garcia, 30, is accused of lighting piles of clothing on fire inside his sister's Stanton home with the intention of burning it down on July 24, according to an Orange County District Attorney's press release.

Garcia shared the home with his sister. The fires caused major damage to the home's laundry room.

After the fires burned out, Garcia reportedly poisoned his 7-year-old dachshund mix, Dexter, by feeding his various pills, the release said. He then allegedly used a kitchen knife to slit the dog's throat.

"The bleeding dog ran around the house and into the bedroom, where he died on the defendant's bed," the press release stated.

Deputies who responded to the original 911 about the fire discovered blood from the dog and Garcia on the floors and walls throughout the home. Garcia was later taken to a local hospital with self-inflicted injuries.

Officials did not release a motive for the fires or the fatal attack on the dog.

Garcia is facing one felony count of arson of an inhabited property, one felony count of animal cruelty, and one misdemeanor count of unlawfully causing a fire to property.

If convicted, he faces a maximum eight years and four months in state prison.

Garcia's arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday. No bail amount has been set, but the Orange County District Attorney's Office will ask for it to be set at $250,000, according to the press release.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.