- Wisconsin, USA -
~ Update: January 30, 2024
The babysitter has been identified as KIELEE MICHELLE SONNEMANN (pictured).
~ Original story:
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the killing of a family dog at a home on Elm Avenue in Sussex.
The furvictim was an 8-year-old male Chihuahua named Batman.
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, when Batman’s family got home, they couldn’t find him. The family were out to attend an event of one of their children, and had called a friend to babysit their four-year-old daughter.
In an interview with CBS 58, Batman’s human dad said: “It was unlike him just to disappear. He couldn't have gone far.” So, they started looking for Batman and the babysitter helped them look for him. The family searched all through the house and then drove through the surrounding neighborhoods.
Batman’s human dad said: “Obviously with a pet going missing, all these terrible thoughts are flowing through your head, you know did he get hit by a car? Did a coyote get him, or any type of animal? Or did somebody scoop him up, take him, and just not return him? Just like a child, you pour your blood, sweat, and tears into this being.”
The family also reached out to Lost Dogs of Wisconsin on Facebook to report Batman missing.
The following day, Friday, January 26, 2024, the family’s 11-year-old daughter came home from her grandma’s house and when she went into her bedroom, she noticed on the wall what she thought was red paint. The girl then called her father who moved a pile of blankets and stuffed animals and found Batman lifeless. Batman was found with a possible stab wound and a plastic bag tied over his head.
The family alerted the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office and then tried to get a hold of the 18-year-old babysitter whom they have known since she was a baby.
Batman’s human dad explained to CBS 58: “She didn't answer but we wanted to know what happened. She was watching our four-year-old daughter on Thursday night which then makes us even more terrified.” He then added: “We've known her. Our children love and care for her. What did [Batman] do that would make her do something so horrific to him?”
The family eventually got in touch with the babysitter’s mom, who was also a close friend of the family. The mom said she would find her daughter but Batman’s family never heard from them.
CBS 58 reports that the babysitter “was questioned in relation to the killing and was arrested for cruelty to animals.”
Batman’s human dad also told CBS 58: “Since we bought this home, she has been our babysitter. You walk down the hallway, and you know what had happened in this room. I want her to understand that she just didn't take our pet away. She took a family member from us.”
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
SONNEMANN's mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office.
Additional Sources:
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