- Hawaii, USA -
The Kaua’i Police Department arrested 49-years-old JASON CHRISTOPHER MEARNS (pictured).
Police said in a press release that on the early afternoon of Sunday, March 17, 2024, officers responded to a residence on Eke Road in Kōloa after receiving a report about a dog who had been strangled to death.
Officers learned that a 35-year-old man was inside his residence when he heard a loud noise coming from outside where his dog was. When the man went outside to check what was happening, he saw MEARNS “lifting his dog off the ground” by his chain.
Sadly, by the time officers arrived, the Voiceless Victim, a 3-year-old terrier mix, was already dead.
KHON2 identified the dog’s guardian as Keoni Tin and the dog as Koa’Ipo.
Officers interviewed witnesses and learned that there was an argument between MEARNS and Keoni which eventually escalated into a physical altercation causing Keoni to sustain an abrasion to his left forearm, along with several scrapes and bruises.
In an interview with KHON2, Keoni said that Koa’Ipo had been in his family since he was a puppy and that “He was the best dog ever. He was a good watch dog.”
Keoni told KHON2 that MEARNS “bashed the dog’s head with a 30 pound dumbbell” and that Koa’Ipo did not even have time to bark because he was sleeping.
Keoni rightfully said that “This should be considered murder, not animal cruelty.”
Keoni and his family want justice and hope that MEARNS gets “what he deserves.”
The murderer was arrested for cruelty to animals in the first degree and assault in the third degree. At time of writing, records show that he is being held on $20,000 bail in the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
MEARNS’ arraignment was scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Friday, March 22, 2024.
I have emailed County of Kaua'i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to inquire about MEARNS’ arraignment. If I get a response, I will post an update.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Link included.
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.
