⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️
On June 18, 2024, the individual responsible for intentionally setting Riona on fire, 45-years-old QUISHON BROWN (pictured), entered the guilty plea to one count of aggravated cruelty to animals and was sentenced to ONLY one year in the Shelby County prison.
BROWN was arrested on July 12, 2022, after investigators said video surveillance showed him in his backyard on Berkshire Avenue only thirty-six seconds before Riona escaped and ran down Hood Street. BROWN was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, arson to wit set fire to personal property, and simple assault.
According to WREG, the day before BROWN was arrested, “…officers were told that the man responsible for burning the dog told another person he was going to burn down the house of whoever gave the video to police and the news.”
Court records show that a few days after his release, BROWN violated his bail conditions when he was found on video with a new puppy so he was re-arrested but authorities did not find the puppy.
In a recent Facebook post published by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, the amazing organization recounted the devastating facts.
“During that time Riona went through numerous surgeries to repair her little body.
60% of her body received in 4th degree burns.
It was so horrific that one of her ears literally burnt off and fell into [the] bandages one day during a bandage change.
She went through 4 to 5 fully sedated bandage changes per day for several weeks.
She had several surgeries to close up wounds.
She had skin expanders placed in her to help harvest skin that she would need for skin [grafts]. Then she went through those surgeries.
She was provided 24/7 medical care for months.
After one year and just over $92,000.00 worth of medical ( and yes there was a discount) she was adopted by the best family she could have ever dreamt of.”
On a separate note, FOX 13 reports that BROWN is also accused of raping a child in December 2020. He was indicted in the case in February 2024, and is set to appear in court again July 26, 2024.
The Memphis-based nonprofit Tails of Hope Dog Rescue is facing an extreme case that goes beyond cruel.
On the evening of Monday, June 20, a dog screaming in pain and running down the street while on fire, caught the attention of residents of the Nutbush community, near Chelsea and Graham in Memphis, who then ran out into the streets.
The horrific act was caught on camera. Part of the footage exclusively published by FOX 13, showed many people running out of their homes all in the same direction. One resident can be seen with a water hose and another neighbor, Ms. Ashlie Craft, came out with a bucket and filled it with water from her pool trying to put out the flames.
A fast-acting Good Samaritan jumped in and put out the flames to rescue the young pup believed to be 1 year old.
Kylie Hunter, a Vet Technician at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, told FOX 13: “Somebody set this dog on fire. Someone purposely set this dog on fire.”
The dog, now named Riona, was fully examined and Tails of Hope Dog rescue said she was “doused with diesel fuel ( high odor still on her ) and burnt. Lots of raw burnt skin and singed fur.” Riona suffered fourth degree burns to her face and left side, and first to second-degree burns on other parts of her body. Tails of Hope Dog Rescue also said that Riona has “a cut around her neck from a tie up cord.”
The nonprofit said in a Facebook post: “Someone knows who did this. She has old scars from previous injuries, meaning she has been a victim of abuse for a while.”
Memphis Police are investigating this act of absolute evil. Whoever did this to a defenseless breathing being unable to dial for help is not just cruel. The individual is soulless, heartless, and most of all a filthy coward!
A reward of $5,500 is being offered in exchange for information leading to a criminal conviction of the monster who did this to Riona.
If you have ANY information, I beg you, come forward and submit your tips to Memphis Police. Thank you!
If you wish and can afford to help out Tails of Hope Dog Rescue with Riona’s medical bills, these are the ways to do it:
Venmo @tailsofhopedogrescue
By Mail: Po Box 30245 Memphis TN 38118
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
BROWN’s mugshot shared from the Shelby County Jail
Pictures shared from Tails of Hope Dog Rescue.
