On December 29, 2021, Parsons Police Officers were notified by a juvenile about a dead animal that had been found and was wrapped up in a blanket. The animal was found thrown next to a small bridge near Felix and 17th Street.

Officers went to the area and located a dog that was wrapped up in a blanket that was tied around the body. Officers took the deceased animal to the Parson Pet Hospital to have a trained professional examine the dog in an autopsy to determine the method of death. Under normal circumstance there would not be an autopsy done on a dog that was found deceased but due to the nature of the disposal and the area of town in which it went missing it was important to find out if the dog was murdered before being disposed of. The animal was found to have gone missing from the 1300 block of S 13th Street.

The report from the autopsy stated that there was severe trauma to the underside of the dog's abdomen and trauma around the neck from the choke chain that was still on the animal. The Dr. completing the report stated that it would have consistent with the dog being strangled and beaten, causing the death. All trauma was consistent with a human killing the animal and was not consistent with and animal attack nor vehicle strike.

"Drako" makes the 3rd reported dog killed in less than a year in the same area of the city that "Bleu" had been shot and killed, "Zeus" had been shot, and "Ranger" had been brutally killed. The reward for the "Ranger's" killer has been updated to $34,000.00.

"This is very frustrating for everyone involved. Officers want closure to these cases as bad as the general public. We have been and will continue to ask the public for support and information leading to the arrest of person or persons who are committing these crimes. It is really a shocking development that the $30,000.00 offered has not loosened any tongues. That is what leads us to believe that it is one person acting alone," according to Police Chief Robert Spinks.

The investigation continues to develop persons of interest who are being contacted and interviewed. These individuals are also being offered polygraph test to help eliminate them as potential suspects along with alibi confirmation.

Not all individuals are voluntarily cooperating.

Based on multiple factors, it is possible that one individual who harbors an abnormal psychopathy that can use animal cruelty as a gateway to more violent behavior, according to 'Animal Cruelty as a Gateway Crime' published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Residents in the southeast area of Parsons are encouraged not to let their dogs roam at large. When animals are left even in a fenced yard they should be watched. Installing Ring, Blink or other home CCTV devices are encouraged as a general crime prevention measure.

"Any suspicious individuals lurking in vehicles or on foot should be reported to the police department," says Acting Commander Kyle Wiford.

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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