A 30-year-old man in Memphis, Tennessee, is facing multiple charges after fatally shooting his mother’s dog. Antonio Holmes, who has a criminal history dating back to 2022, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm, evading arrest, animal cruelty, and lastly two counts of reckless endangerment.
Antonio Holmes shoots and kills mom’s dog during argument
Action News reports that on Saturday, Mar. 23, Holmes’ mother called authorities requesting for help after her son set her backyard on fire. According to the distraught mom, an argument between her and Holmes erupted when she confronted him about the blaze.
Holmes hurled insults at his mother, and as the heated exchange between the two continued, the commotion alarmed the family dog. Consequently, the dog began barking, only for Holmes to hit the animal with a gas can.
Fearing for the dog’s safety, Holmes’ brother intervened. As he called out Holmes for the abuse, the suspect pulled out a handgun and pointed it at his brother. Then, moments later, Holmes fired at the poor canine, killing the dog on the spot. Reports say Holmes struck the dog in the chest with a single shot. As of now, the dog’s breed and age remain unclear.
After committing the heinous crime, Holmes fled on foot, hoping to evade authorities, who were already on their way to the scene. Luckily, Memphis police caught up with the suspect shortly after and took him into custody.
Authorities established that Holmes is a convicted felon who faced charges in 2022 for aggravated burglary. The suspect’s mother told police the gun used to kill the family dog belonged to Holmes’ late father. She kept the gun in her closet, not knowing Holmes would take it without her permission and end the life of her beloved canine companion.
Holmes is being held on a $100,000 bond while awaiting to be arraigned in court.
