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Suspect in dog killing sought

February 01, 2008, 7:18AM MT

By Nicole Saunders

A bench warrant was issued yesterday for Victor Rodriguez after he failed to appear for a pre-trial listing in the case of Edna, the little brown dog held for ransom in a telephoned extortion attempt last fall.

by STU BYKOFSKY
Philadelphia Daily News
stubyko@phillynews.com

Rodriguez, 15, lives in Nicetown. He is charged with extortion, criminal conspiracy and criminal mischief, along with harassment and terroristic threats.

Edna’s owner, Bill Whiting, attended today's hearing and said he was disappointed but “not surprised” the defendant didn’t show up.

Edna disappeared on Halloween and Whiting had put up posters promising a reward for her return. Ten days later he got a call from someone claiming to have Edna and then a second call saying he had killed her.

No trace of the dog has been found.

Detectives will be looking for Rodriguez, said D.A. spokeswoman Cathie Abookire.

Click here for the original story.

Click here for the previous story on this case.

Pictured above: Bill and Edna

Posted with the permission of Stu Bykofsky and the Philadelphia Daily News
Posted by Nicole, PA Team Leader

Comments

Posted February 01, 2008, 5:42PM by joanmarie

Poor Bill, I really feel for you and your family, and the pain you must be going through.
I'm also not surprised the defendant did not show up, of course.... he's a coward!
My prayers are with you and Edna!
Best regards,
Joan

Posted February 01, 2008, 8:22PM by garyerb

No show? No surprise. I see it as another sign of guilt. He WILL have his day in court. Guaranteed. Does a 15-year-old really believe that he can hide from the authorities forever? When they get him, this time they will hold him until his hearing. And now everyone knows who he is. When criminals do something stupid like this, the only thing they accomplish is adding more charges to their records. I guess this guy is practicing for his adult record when he turns 18. Yes, he's a coward, but he WILL have to face you, Bill. You WILL have an opportunity to look into his eyes and see if there is anything there. I wish that Edna could come home. But I’m confident that at least SOME measure of justice will be served, however small. We’re here for you, Bill! We’re watching this closely. - Gary

Posted February 08, 2008, 2:28PM by mabilode

It is obvious that this kids parents are a big part of the problem, since they did not even ensure that their child follow the law and attend his arraignment. These people are all pigs and the entire community should be grossly offended at the parents indifference, and the children's sick behavior. I hope the police actively seek this kid and throw the book at him.

Posted February 28, 2008, 7:3PM by poerabbit

My prayers are with you. I was a social worker in the city of Philadelphia for years and a large majority of the children in the system started out abusing animals and nothing was ever done. I hope justice is served in this case.

Melissa