- New Jersey , USA -
How many of us were waiting on this sentence? Well, here it is!
After pleading guilty to animal cruelty and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in April, 65-year-old WILLIAM D. STROEMEL (pictured below), was finally sentenced.
On Wednesday, January 6, Superior Court Judge Gerard Breland sent STROEMEL behind bars for five years.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office said the sentence was the result of a plea agreement with STROEMEL.
On the evening of September 17, 2019, a 9-year-old Pomeranian poodle mix named Toby, was found was injured and crying not far from his family home on Greenwood Avenue.
The sweet therapy pooch had escaped from underneath the fence.
His family initially thought Toby had been hit by a vehicle and rushed him to the ER.
An X-ray revealed the presence of a bullet from a .22-caliber weapon.
Toby had been shot in the head, so police had to be notified.
Sadly, Toby was euthanized the day after the incident, and a full necropsy was ordered.
The senseless death of this innocent soul prompted Maple Shade Police to launch an investigation.
This led to the arrest of WILLIAM D. STROEMEL, a heavy equipment operator also known as Wild Willie, who lived around the corner from Toby’s family home.
On September 23, 2019, a search warrant was executed at STROEMEL’s home where police found a .22 caliber pistol, and he was charged with weapons offenses.
When on September 25, 2019, the results of the necropsy came back, more charges were filed against the murderer.
The pellet removed from Toby’s head was determined to have come from an air rifle in possession of the shooter when the furbaby was shot.
STROEMEL had given the gun to an acquaintance and asked him to hold it for him.
The plea agreement also requires STROEMEL to make restitution to Toby's guardian for the furbaby's veterinary care and other costs.
Comments