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KEONTAI JAVON MCKENZIE facing felony kill animal by starvation charges among others

Updated: Jul 24, 2023

- North Carolina, USA -


~ Update: July 24, 2023


I heard back from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

I was told that a total of six dogs were located on the property. Sadly, one of them was found deceased. None of the Voiceless Victims had food or water. Officials removed the live five dogs. When MCKENZIE arrived, he had two dogs with him and they were also removed.

To my inquiry about the furvictims’ name, age, breed, and gender, I was told “unknown.”

My request to share the furvictims’ pictures was declined as this time as this is an active case.



~ Original Story:


The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 28-years-old KEONTAI JAVON MCKENZIE (pictured).


According to a press release by the sheriff’s office, along with Randolph County Animal Services deputies responded to a property on Little Beane Store Road in Seagrove on June 5, 2023, after receiving a report of animal cruelty incident.


Randolph County Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal Investigations also responded to the scene “to collect evidence.” An investigation led to MCKENZIE as the suspect and charges were subsequently sought against him for felony kill animal by starvation and five counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.


Additionally, the investigation led Randolph County Animal Services to remove “the dogs on the property.”


The sheriff’s office said the magistrate found probable cause and issued an arrest warrant for MCKENZIE who was located and placed under arrest on July 20, 2023.

MCKENZIE was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where he was served his outstanding warrants. Online records show MCKENZIE was released after posting a $5,000 secured bond.

According to the press release, MCKENZIE’s first court appearance was scheduled for July 21, 2023, in Randolph County District Court. Court records show his next court appearance is set for September 13, 2023.


The sheriff’s office has not disclosed any information about dogs.

It’s unknown how many dogs were found, how many were removed, in which condition they were found, and whether any dogs were found deceased. I have emailed Sheriff Gregory J. Seabolt and requested all this information. If I get a response, I will post an update.


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.



MCKENZIE’s mugshot shared from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.


Additional Source:







 
 
 

AMANDA MOSS LOWE and BRANDON LEE HEDRICK arrested after several horses were found malnourished

- North Carolina, USA -


Following several complaints about the condition of the horses at Southern Star Barn located at 3604 U.S. Highway 158 in Mocksville, a welfare check was conducted and on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Davie County Animal Services served a search warrant for the stables.


In a Facebook post Davie County Animal Services said that they found several horses who appeared to be “malnourished and improperly cared for.”


According to WXII, Davie County Deputy Sheriff James DeWitt said they’ve been investigating complaints about the condition of horses at the barn for a long time. He said: “We could see ribs, we could see hip bones, we could see bad top lines on the horses.”


Davie County Animal Services explained that a veterinarian examined all of the horses and recommended that eleven (11) of them be taken from the farm to receive additional care. The horses are “receiving medical attention at undisclosed locations”, said the agency.


Deputy Sheriff DeWitt further explained: “Going forward, the horses will be in our possession until they are medically cleared by our veterinarian.”


In connection with this case, 41-years-old AMANDA MOSS LOWE and 35-years-old BRANDON LEE HEDRICK (both pictured) were arrested and charged with animal abuse.


LOWE is facing twelve (12) felony counts and one (1) misdemeanor count of animal cruelty while HEDRICK is facing eleven (11) felony counts and one (1) misdemeanor count of animal cruelty.


Animal Services said some of the horses were LOWE and HEDRICK’s and others had been boarded at the barn.


LOWE and HEDRICK will be back in court on August 31, 2023.


In thanking all of the local horse community volunteers who assisted with this large operation, Davie County Animal Services said that the rescued horses will need significant care to regain their health. If you wish and can afford to donate, there are various ways.

You can donate in person at the Davie County Animal Shelter on 291 Eaton Road in Mocksville, NC 27028.

You can donate by credit or debit card by going to the Davie County Animal Shelter Petfinder.com page and choosing any animal, then clicking on the “Sponsor” icon.

Additionally, Strouse House Feed store in Advance has also agreed to accept monetary donations. Thank you!


The investigation is ongoing.


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.



Mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the Davie County Sheriff's Office.


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JULIA OWENS and JOSH HOOVER facing cruelty to animals and child neglect charges

The Lexington Police Department arrested 31-years-old JULIA OWENS and 42-years-old JOSH HOOVER (both pictured) on cruelty to animals and child neglect charges.


In a news release, police said that on June 26, 2023, officers were dispatched to a residence on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to conduct a welfare check on two children.

Officers found a 5-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl locked in a room. Police said they were malnourished, and physically abused.

Police also said that officers determined “the girls were being abused and neglected.”


Additionally, at the residence, police found “neglected and malnourished dogs as well as drug paraphernalia.”


I emailed the Lexington Police Department and requested additional information about the dogs. In an email the police spokesperson told me that one dog was a Pitbull mix and the other one was a Pug mix. “They were both adult dogs, I am unaware of the gender or names.”


To my question about the dogs’ well-being, I was told that both dogs were severely malnourished and were taken to the Davidson County Animal Shelter. A rescue group took in the Pug mix and on the night of Tuesday, June 27, 2023, he/she “had to have emergency surgery” due to having small children’s toys in his/her stomach (Orbeez beads). The spokesperson does not know the outcome of the surgery.

Additionally, police tell me that the Pug mix has some problems with his/her “rear legs that may have come from an old injury that wasn’t ever addressed.”


As for the Pitbull mix, he/she is still with Davidson County Animal Shelter.

I will try and email them to see what I can find out.


I also requested pictures of the Voiceless Victims but the photos are considered evidence and cannot be released at this point.


The investigation led to the arrest of girls’ mother, OWENS, and HOOVER “male acquaintance that also lived in the home.”

Police said they both are charged with two felony counts of cruelty to animals, two counts of felony child abuse/neglect resulting in serious physical injury, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is still ongoing, and further charges could be filed, said police.


Online arrest records show the pair are being held at Davidson County Detention Center on a $75,000 secure bond and are scheduled to appear at Davidson County District Court on July 31, 2023.


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.



Mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Lexington Police Department.


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