Dallas County grand jury indicts three more suspects on burned puppy Justice

by Teresa Gubbins

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Trial for Darius Ewing, the first suspect, has been set for November 12, 2012.

DALLAS — The Dallas County District Attorney's Office announced on Thursday that a Dallas County grand jury indicted three additional suspects in the animal cruelty case involving Justice, the puppy that was allegedly doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire on April 4, at an apartment complex in Dallas.

Warrants for cruelty to non-livestock animals were issued for Richard Anthony Valentine, 24, Darius Lamar Carey, 24, and Adrian Michael Ayers, 20.

According to the DA's office, the charge has been enhanced to a 3rd degree felony by indictment due to the use of a deadly weapon while committing the offense. Therefore, the punishment will range from two to 10 years in prison.

Carey and Valentine turned themselves in and are in custody at Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Ayers was already in custody on an unrelated offense.

Meanwhile, a trial date was set for the case of the State vs. Darius Ewing, the first suspect indicted for this animal cruelty offense: November 12.

According to Fox, police said in an arrest warrant affidavit that Ewing threw the lighter fluid on the puppy and Valentine, identified as "Little R," flicked the cigarette.

Fox also reported that Ayers' bond was set at $200,000, but no amounts were identified on the bond for Valentine and Carey.

Ayers, who has been in prison since April 25 after being arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a shooting, was listed as a witness in Ewing's trial; he claims he was not involved.

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