~ Update: October 7, 2022
On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in Sangamon County court, 32-year-old TARYN GOODWIN (pictured), pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to an animal, a Class 4 Felony.
GOODWIN was sentenced to two years’ probation in connection with a case that dates back to December 2020, when she moved out of a property she was renting, leaving behind a 4-year-old Pitbull named Sii without food or water. Sii was discovered on December 5, 2020, starved to death.
WICS/WRSP reports that as part of GOODWIN’s plea deal, two counts of violation of owner's duties were dismissed.
As reported by The State Journal-Register, the state's attorney's office requested Judge Raylene Grischow order a psychological examination of GOODWIN, which was granted.
GOODWIN must complete any treatment that comes from the exam.
During her probation, GOODWIN cannot own or reside with any domesticated animals and if she violates probation, she could be sentenced to prison ranging from 1 to 3 years at 50%.
~ Update: January 15, 2021
On Thursday, January 14, 30-year-old TARYN GOODWIN (pictured below), appeared in Sangamon County Circuit court to face charges of aggravated cruelty to animal and two counts of violation of owners duties.
GOODWIN, of Springfield, is accused of living her dog Sii in an apartment without food or water leading to the unnecessary death of the furbaby.
~ Original story: December 13, 2020
On December 5, a Springfield homeowner went to check on the property he was renting out after his tenants had failed to pay rent for four months.
Mr. Shane Sullivan told WAND 17 he saw some mail on the front porch that was just lying there and was not sure whether the tenants were still living there.
When he went to check the well-being of the property in the 1200 block of East Ash Street, he discovered indescribable mess, trash, and feces throughout the house.
Mr. Sullivan then found a dead dog.
The 4-year-old furbaby named Sii, had been left there by his guardians and starved to death.
Mr. Sullivan immediately called Springfield Police.
Sangamon County Animal Control assumed the investigation of the case.
Mr. Sullivan told WAND 17: “It's sickening. This dog depended on someone he thought loved and cared for him to let him out, and I just can't imagine how that dog felt.”
He then added: “[Sii] starved for quite sometime. It didn't happen overnight. There was no excuse for it. There was a lot of other options. I believe that dog was adopted less than a year ago.”
Sii had been adopted from Animal Protective League in Springfield and the shelter’s director, Deana Corbin, said: “Sii did come from APL. He was here back in May. He was a super sweet dog, very loving, very happy and playful. They've been given a second chance at life here, and we hope when they go to their forever home they'll live a happy, healthy life. To see that was just shocking and heartbreaking to all of the staff.”
WAND-TV first reported on the death of Sii on Wednesday, December 9, but since no charges had been filed against the tenants, WAND-TV declined to mention their names.
As I was just looking for updates on this heartbreaking story, I have learned that following Sii’s death, 30-year-old TARYN GOODWIN (pictured below) has been charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, and two counts of violation of owner’s duties.
WAND-TV reports that Sangamon County State's Attorney Dan Wright said: “The heartbreaking death of this animal was entirely preventable and unnecessary. There are criminal consequences for those who commit such inhumane acts of extreme cruelty against a defenseless animal.”
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
