East Texas Man Faces Felony Charges in Wood County Animal Cruelty Case
A 63-year-old man has been arrested in Wood County, Texas after investigators accused him of killing four puppies with a baseball bat, according to court records. Donald Bruce Holmesly faces four felony counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the July investigation.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to KLTV, on July 18, Wood County deputies responded to a home on County Road 3148 in Quitman after receiving a report alleging that a man was killing puppies with a baseball bat in view of his neighbors.
READ MORE: ETX Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty After This Video Went Viral
Witnesses Describe Events Before Deputies Arrived
According to a witness, a man who was later identified as Holmesly, was in a verbal argument earlier in the day and brandished a baseball bat and allegedly threatened to kill the dogs and 'bash the head of anyone who called police.'
The deputy reported that Holmesly charged at his brother with the bat, which caused his brother to leave the area immediately.
According to the affidavit, deputies discovered a backyard pit containing the bodies of four mixed-breed puppies that had "appeared to be thrown carelessly" around trash and other debris. The deputy noted that the puppies seemed to be healthy and well-nourished before they were killed.
How Authorities Located the Suspect
After a standoff with law enforcement, deputies executed a search warrant of the home and recovered a T-ball-style bat stained with drying blood.
Holmesly fled the property prior to the search warrant being issued and he remained on the run until he was taken into custody earlier this week.
Facing multiple felony charges, Holmesly could face between two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000 if convicted.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
