Upstate Animal Abuse Investigation: ‘Evidence’ Destroyed?

Last month, our media outlet exclusively reported on shocking animal abuse allegations in the state of South Carolina. These allegations led to charges against the Greenville, South Carolina, police officer Amanda Ross34, and her husband Donald Ross, 42, a former member of law enforcement. The incident, which occurred in Greer, South Carolina, involved the alleged mistreatment of a pit bull mix named Marley who was “humanely euthanized” the day after Greer police began their investigation.

Marley was reportedly euthanized Bobby Boskoanother former member of law enforcement.

We were made aware of this terrible situation via email via our hotline on April 13, 2024. According to the email, the emaciated animal – a year-old pit bull mix named “Marley” – was photographed in “stressful conditions, surrounded by what appeared to be its own urine and feces.”

Subsequent police reports obtained by our media shed light on the seriousness of the situation, including statements from minors who witnessed the dog’s suffering. While visiting the Ross residence on April 12, 2024, Greer police encountered the couple and Donald Ross’ minor children. Amanda Ross attributed the animal abuse complaint to an ongoing custody battle between her husband and the children’s mother. Leah Russell.

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The situation was initially treated as a family matter, with the children being picked up by their mother. The next day, Donald Ross told officers that Marley had been euthanized by a “friend” because the couple could not afford veterinary care.

SC Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) records indicate that Bosko has resigned from his employment with the SC Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA). Greenville, SC, Police Department on April 26, 2023, after he was arrested and charged with domestic violence.

In an initial call to Greer police, Bosko confirmed that he had killed Marley “humanely,” but did not go into details. When police contacted him a few days later for more information, he was “uncooperative,” according to a police report. Bosko said Marley was killed by a stream in Taylors Mill, S.C. He said he didn’t know if Marley was buried.

During the call, Greer police said Bosko became defensive and “asked why he was still involved in this” before the conversation ended. Donald Ross subsequently told police that he buried Marley in a hole created by a rainstorm after Bosko left.

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Several readers have reached out to FITSNews to raise concerns about the other dogs still in the care of Donald and Amanda Ross – particularly a German Shepherd named Raven, who Donald Ross said police gave to a colleague. Donald Ross provided police with the co-worker’s contact information – but they were unable to confirm Raven’s placement.

FITSNews readers also questioned whether the couple’s association with law enforcement allowed them to avoid more serious charges. For example, when officers returned to investigate the situation with Marley, she had already disappeared. Also gone? Evidence of the alleged abuse she suffered.

Did Marley’s euthanasia amount to obstruction of justice? Not according to Police Captain Greer Eric Pressley.

“The complexity of this case and the involvement of all parties involved resulted in a detective being assigned the time and resources to conduct a thorough and complete investigation,” Pressley said. “The assigned detective has completed the investigation and consulted with a judge when filing charges. No fees would have been charged for destroying evidence. The investigation has been completed and the appropriate charges have been filed.”

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RELATED | South Carolina police officer charged with animal abuse

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Amanda Ross has been employed by the Greenville Police Department since December 2018. Donald Ross surrendered his law enforcement certification in January 2020 after facing multiple domestic violence charges, preventing his further employment as a law enforcement officer in South Carolina or any other state. This ended his employment with the Greenville Police Department. He previously worked for the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Police Department and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office – where he was terminated in July 2019 amid allegations of misconduct and domestic violence.

The citations to Donald and Amanda Ross carry fines or bail $1,087.50 each with a motion for a jury trial by Amanda Ross’ defense attorney, Ryan James of Greenville, SC Donald Ross’ legal representation is not listed in court records. Both cases are scheduled for May 22, 2024 in Greer Municipal Court Criminal/Traffic Court.

“First, let me reiterate that this mess would not have reached the extent it did without the unwarranted actions of a jealous ex-husband of Officer Ross, an ex-wife who has a history of harassing and molesting her entire marriage of Officer Ross with her husband,” James said. “As for the family dog, Raven, this beloved pet is healthy and safe at home with the family.”

The case sparked outrage among animal rights activists and the public and raised questions about the treatment of animals and the accountability of those entrusted with their care – particularly those with ties to law enforcement. As the legal process progresses, the broader implications of this case will continue to be closely monitored.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Callie Lyons is a journalist, researcher and author whose investigative work can be found in media, publications and documentaries around the world – most recently in the Paris newspaper Le Monde and a German documentary for ProSieben. Lyons also appears in Citizen Sleuth – a 2023 documentary film exploring the true crime genre.

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