West Columbia Teen Accused of Killing Dog Found with Stab Wounds

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – Deputies arrested a teenager late Wednesday (9/14) after they found a dead dog with stab wounds and another severely injured dog inside the teen’s home.

Patrick Esparza, 17, faces two counts of ill treatment of animals. According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the animals were found inside Esparza’s Dubbs Avenue home.

Sheriff Jay Koon said deputies initially showed up at Esparza’s home for a welfare check and found the back door open. He says once inside, the deputies found a small dog that had died from apparent stab wounds and a larger dog suffering from multiple injuries.

Esparza is being held in the Lexington County Detention Center after a judge set his bond at $10,000.

Ill treatment of animals is a felony charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.