Merced County man accused of killing friend’s dog, making him bury it
By Gabe Ferris, KFSN Staff
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MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A Winton man was arrested following an alleged animal cruelty incident, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division received a report of an incident on Nicholas Drive in Winton.
The man who called law enforcement told deputies that while he was visiting a friend, that friend shot and killed his dog and then forced him, at gunpoint, to bury the animal.
Investigators identified 57-year-old James Charles Morales of Winton as the suspect.
According to authorities, the incident began after Morales became upset during what initially appeared to be joking between the two individuals.
Morales then allegedly pulled out a handgun, threatened to shoot the dog and then fired multiple rounds at the animal.
The victim told deputies Morales then pointed the gun at him and forced him to dig a shallow grave and bury the dog.
Deputies obtained a search warrant for Morales’ home in Winton. Prior to serving the warrant, Morales was seen leaving the house in a vehicle.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop a short time later and were able to detain Morales without incident.
During the search of the home, investigators found several spent bullet casings in the backyard as well as a handgun inside the house.
Authorities also discovered the remains of a recently deceased dog buried along the side of the property.
Morales was booked into the Merced County Jail on animal cruelty, kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with a firearm.
Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
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