A North Carolina FedEx driver is being charged for allegedly stealing a family’s French bulldog and throwing it in the back of his hot truck, where it eventually died while he continued to make deliveries, police said.
Citing court documents, ABC 11 reports that Kimani Joehon Marshall is accused of stealing the championship show dog, Tori, worth $5,500. Documents also noted that he intended to use the dog to breed.
The documents go on to say that Marshall knew Tori’s owners and had previously asked them about using the dog to breed with one of his own.
However, the owners had declined his offer.
Looking to take action regardless, on July 3, the 44-year-old delivery man allegedly took the dog from her yard while delivering packages in the neighborhood.
The family was left searching around their home, in a nearby wooded area, and posting missing dog flyers around town. Documents note that the dog was believed to have already died by the time they started searching.
On July 7, deputies from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office located Tori’s body.
Investigators with the sheriff’s office say they believe Marshall kept the dog in his truck while he continued his delivery route and that the French bulldog died of heatstroke or a related sickness due to the hot temperatures.
On Monday, Marshall, who no longer works for FedEx, surrendered himself to the police and was charged with larceny of a dog, possession of stolen goods, and animal cruelty.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of their beloved pet,” FedEx shared with ABC11. “We understand the importance of people’s pets in their lives and deeply regret the pain that this has caused. The driver is no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx.”
Marshall is currently being held at the Harnett County Detention Center.