Nov 62 min read

TYLER GRANT STEVENS arrested for killing a dog, the dog’s guardian, and hate crime

- California, USA -

San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced that 21-year-old TYLER GRANT STEVENS (pictured) has been charged with the murder of 34-year-old Todd Joseph Pinion, animal abuse related to Mr. Pinion’s dog and hate crime enhancement.

Mr. Pinion’s dog, named Spock, was found dead on Highway 101 near the Cuesta Grade on Halloween.

According to the criminal complaint, on or about October 23, 2024, while having charge or custody of Spock, STEVENS did “subject that dog to needless suffering, or inflict unnecessary cruelty upon the dog, or in any manner abuse the dog, or fail to provide the dog with proper food, drink, or shelter, or protection from the weather.”

STEVENS was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on the early morning of Sunday, November 3, 2024, after the Atascadero Police Department found Mr. Pinion’s body in a remote area near Tassajara Creek. Mr. Pinion was reported missing on October 30, 2024.

At the time of writing, records show that STEVENS, of Paso Robles, is being held into the San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail.

District Attorney Dow said in a press release that STEVENS will be arraigned on November 6, 2024, in Department 3 of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court.

According to DA Dow, STEVENS has one strike under California’s Three Strikes Law for a conviction in 2022 for assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the case was encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) - 461 - 5051. Thank you!

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Pictures shared from Mr. Pinion’s Facebook’s account.