A man accused of dumping lighter fluid on his family’s dog, and fatally burning it entered a not guilty plea in court this afternoon. Andrew Delgado continues to remain free on bail, but has been ordered to stay at least 10 feet away from all animals.
The shocking crime October 27th led to widespread community outrage. Ventura County firefighters called to a ravine near the 1000 block of Mesa Drive, in the Camarillo Heights area by reports of a fire found a three year old basset hound, which was named Buddy, with severe burns. The dog died from its injuries. Investigators say someone had doused the dog with a lighter fluid, and set it on fire.
Community residents, and dog lovers groups offered rewards to try to solve the shocking crime. Authorities say based on evidence, and interviews with witnesses, they identified a young man from the family which owned the dog as a suspect. Detectives arrested the 18 year old man at his home last week. They say he admitted committing the crime, and while he didn’t explain why he did it, he told them was on drugs at the time.