Man accused of shooting and killing dogs in limbo investigated; Family asks for transparency | News

– On Wednesday, May 5, a neighbor’s surveillance camera captured what appeared to be 22-year-old Brandon Harris walking through his backyard with five to eight dogs. In the 30-second clip before the end, screams and several gunshots can be heard.

– Following an initial investigation by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Harris was charged with one count of discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling and negligent injury to personal property. He was held on a $1,000 bond and his next court date is scheduled for July 14 in Onslow County District Court.

– Initially, Onslow County Animal Services conducted its own investigation where they determined that three of the dogs had been shot in Harris’ backyard. OCAS retrieved the dogs for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

– Harris told investigators that the dogs attacked each other and attacked him, leading to him allegedly shooting and killing three of the dogs. Harris’ family also confirmed his story.

– District officials said the remaining dogs had been rehomed, but it later emerged that two of the dogs remained in Harris’ care. The Daily News has reached out to OCAS to find out why the two dogs were not taken and whether they still remain with Harris.

– Deputies and Animal Control are continuing their investigation and have been working with Onslow County District Attorney Ernie Lee, who added his office became aware of the incident on May 10 and asked OCSO to continue the investigation.

– Due to a recent suspected armed robbery in Jacksonville, OCSO said it has taken over as lead investigator in the Harris case and assigned him to apprehend the second robbery suspect.

– The Daily News requested all reports filed with OCAS involving Harris at 193 Liberty Park Road. Due to the ongoing investigations by both departments, officials have declined to provide the files at this time.

The Daily News has reached out to Harris for comment.

Harris’ stepfather James Leach is calling for transparency in the case and more security video to show his stepson’s side.

“I just want to see the first part of the video where he was attacked and the dogs were attacking each other,” Leach said. “If anyone here ever sees dogs fighting, it is not easy to separate them, they will fight to the death.”

Leach admits the video looks bad and makes him sick, but he should never judge a book by its cover.

All of the dogs in Harris’ care at the time of the incident are said to have grown up together as family dogs and knew each other well. While attempting to separate the dogs, Leach confirmed that his stepson was bitten multiple times on his arm and leg.

“The boy is devastated. I know it seems like I’m just saying this to make people feel sorry for him, but I’ll be the first to say he was wrong.”

Once investigators complete their investigation, the prosecutor must decide two things to file additional charges. First, did Harris intentionally kill the three dogs and, if so, were the dogs killed maliciously?

NC General Statute 14-360 states that intentionally killing an animal is a misdemeanor. Only if a person is found to have intentionally killed an animal does the punishment become a Class H felony.

You also need to determine which dogs belonged to Harris and which were family. Leach said two were not his stepsons, which could also play a role in further charges against him.

If you ask Leach his perspective on the story, his stepson’s alleged actions were the only way to separate the dogs.

Reporter Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at [email protected]. Please support local journalism by taking out a digital subscription for as little as $1 per month. JDNews.com.subscribenow