- Maryland, USA -
The Allegany County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 18-years-old JUSTIN UZONNA ANABARAONYE and 19-years-old PAUL THOMAS BAYLOR III (pictured).
On March 12, 2024, Allegany County Animal Control contacted the sheriff’s office regarding an animal cruelty complaint. Animal Control Officers showed deputies pictures which appeared to be the charred remains of dogs. An investigation was then launched.
As part of the investigations, officials obtained and executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in the 13000 block of Tulip Street in Cumberland.
The search of a wooded area on the property led to the discovery of seven (7) “charred remains of various dog breeds in what appeared to be a burn pile”, stated a press release by the sheriff’s office.
Additionally, “the skeletal remains of numerous other dogs were located throughout the property grounds.”
A K9 team with the Office of the State Fire Marshal assisted the sheriff’s office, and it was determined that the dogs were burned using an accelerant. The remains of the Voiceless Victims were taken to the Humane Society of the United States to determine the cause of death.
ANABARAONYE and BAYLOR were arrested in connection with this case and booked into the Allegany County Detention Center.
ANABARAONYE was charged with six counts of animal cruelty and aggravated animal cruelty, while BAYLOR was charged with four counts of animal cruelty.
Court records show that the pair are expected back at Allegany District Court on the morning of Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 9:00.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.
Voice For Us disclaimer: This story is sourced from the official press release by the Allegany County Sheriff'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.
Mugshots shared from the Allegany County Sheriff's Office.
