Texas couple sentenced to prison after pit bulls killed 81-year-old man
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
A Texas couple was sentenced to more than a decade in prison each Friday after their pit bulls got loose and killed an 81-year-old man last year, the Bexar County District Attorney's Office said.
Christian Moreno was sentenced to 18 years in prison and Abilene Schnieder was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the Feb. 24, 2023, mauling near their San Antonio home.
Ramon Najera, 81, was killed and his wife, Juanita Najera, was injured in the attack.
The dogs got loose and attacked the Najeras as they were running errands nearby, officials said.
"What happened to Mr. Najera was an unspeakable horror," 226th District Court Judge Velia J. Meza said before imposing the sentence.
Firefighters who arrived on the scene saw a bloodied man being dragged around a corner by dogs, and the firefighters had to use pickaxes to fend off the animals, the city's fire chief said at the time.
The three dogs involved in the attack or off their property at the time were euthanized, Animal Care Services said at the time of the attack.
The district attorney's office said Moreno and Schnieder were criminally negligent by not providing adequate fencing and allowing the animals to roam free.
Juanita Najera told the court Friday that she has post-traumatic stress disorder, courtroom video broadcast by NBC affiliate WOAI of San Antonio shows.
"I would never have imagined I'd be calling myself a widow at this time in my life, and in this tragic way," she said. "PTSD is now something I will have to deal with the rest of my life. Extreme loneliness and emptiness will also be a part of my life."
Firefighters defend themselves from a dog that was involved in a deadly dog attack in San Antonio, last year.Courtesy WOAI/KABB
"You both took a big part of my life away," she said, putting her hand to her mouth and sobbing. "You took my better half away."
There had been previous complaints about loose and aggressive dogs from that home, officials said at the time of the attack.
Moreno and Schnieder pleaded guilty Aug. 30 to attack by dog resulting in death.
"This unfortunate tragedy was preventable. The defendants' failure to act responsibly and secure their pit bulls resulted in injuries and the loss of a life," Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a statement.
A dog that was involved in a deadly dog attack in San Antonio, last year.Courtesy WOAI/KABB
Attorneys listed as representing Moreno and Schnieder did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment after business hours Friday evening.
If paroled, Moreno and Schnieder are prohibited from owning or possessing dogs.
"Mr. Moreno, Ms. Schnieder, this is about responsible dog ownership," the judge said. "It involves not only taking care of your dog, but ensuring the safety of the people in our neighborhoods, in our communities."
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Should have been longer sentences. And part of their parole should be that they're never allowed to have pets again.
I'd be ok with them owning a turtle or two
Not me. I don't think they should be allowed that solace.
Had neighbors who had pit bulls once. They liked me, but playing with me they just wouldn't stop. A time or two I thought about pulling a gun or a knife to stop them. I stopped playing with them. They ended up mauling a ten year old girl who lived down the street. Their owner was a dangerous asshole as well. Feel almost the same way about Dobermans. Had to shoot one once who attacked me for no reason. It had been a friend up to that point. One of the reasons I always carry a gun now.
Don't get me wrong, I love big dogs. Have owned shepherds and akitas. They just don't tend to snap insane.
Back in the 70s was buying pot from a guy who owned a timber wolf, and he had to lay on top of him to keep him from attacking me whenever I came over. I found a new source for pot.
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Christian Moreno, Abilene Schnieder were nightmares, neighbors say (expressnews.com)
Dressed for court...
dressed for play
while their pit bulls ran around the neighborhood looking fo new places to dig and shit.
And yet so many people who own pit bulls argue that they're gentle as kittens.
Lol kittens aren't gentle and as soon as they are able will attack anything that moves. They just lack the tools to do much damage
I know. I'm raising 5 right now, but they have killed a Black leather office chair in less than four months.
Okay, okay guys, I guess I should change my comment to as meek as a mouse.
#687 - Why guns are good.
Had to look up what 687 meant. Saw a couple of meanings, one is it means "can't be provoked" and the other spoke of a Beretta 687, so I still don't understand your comment.