Buncombe County Guilty Plea in Animal Cruelty Case

This case stems from an incident where Henry stabbed Beignet multiple times at the park, resulting in the dog's death. Henry was reportedly homeless at the time of the slaying. The incident sparked widespread community concern and outrage.

Initially, the court found Henry incompetent to stand trial, and he was committed to a state psychiatric hospital for treatment. After treatment and evaluation, he was deemed competent to proceed with legal proceedings.

 

"The horrific cruelty inflicted upon Beignet highlights the inadequacy of current animal cruelty laws in North Carolina. I urge lawmakers to enhance these laws without delay to protect vulnerable wildlife and animal companions. My thoughts are with Beignet's family," District Attorney Todd Williams said.

 

Beignet’s owners were advised of the plea and did not wish to make a statement to the court. The District Attorney’s Office asked the court to sentence Henry to the maximum sentence allowed by law. Visiting Superior Court Judge Gary Gavenus sentenced Henry to an active term of imprisonment of 8-19 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections. At the time of his guilty plea, Henry had accrued 595 days of pretrial confinement to be credited against the term of imprisonment.

 

The District Attorney’s Office thanks the Asheville Police Department for the thorough investigation of this case.

 

Image: WNCTimes