Man accused of shooting homeless person’s support dog turns himself in, NC cops say

Police arrested a man Wednesday accused of shooting a homeless man’s emotional support dog Sunday afternoon.

The dog, named “DJ,” was shot multiple times, according to police. “We are sad to report that DJ died as a result of the gunshot wounds,” Morganton Public Safety said. “Any assistance from the public in identifying the suspect would be kept confidential.”

The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. near Jerry’s Neighborhood Store, Morganton Public Safety said Monday on Facebook, sharing pictures of the suspect and their vehicle.

Tuesday evening, Markus Levar Connelly turned himself in to the Burke County Sheriff’s Department, authorities said Wednesday.

Morganton authorities had received “numerous” tips after the shooting, and investigators had a warrant to arrest Connelly on two counts of felony cruelty to an animal, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

His bond was set at $10,000, which was posted “within minutes.”

Police are still asking for information about a woman they say was behind the wheel of the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

The dog’s owner, Bennett Deaton, said DJ was unleashed and growled at Connelly, but wasn’t any danger. “DJ wouldn’t hurt nobody,” Deaton told WJZY.

Deaton said he left the store with DJ, and Connelly grabbed a gun from his car and followed, WSOC reported.

“He got his gun out and pulled up on DJ and DJ cowered down and I said, ‘Please don’t shoot my dog. No harm, no foul. Just let it go.’ And he was like, no -- bam” Deaton said.

Anyone with information helpful to the investigation is encouraged to email clail@morgantonps.org, or call Morganton Crime Stoppers at 828-437-3333.

This story was originally published May 3, 2021 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Man accused of shooting homeless person’s support dog turns himself in, NC cops say."