February 27th, Monday, Deputies responded to a call at 256 Westhampton Dr. in Palm Coast. A man, who is identified as Robert Williams, said his home was broken into and his dog had been killed in the process. The deputies found a deceased German Shephard, which had been shot in the head, at the location.
FCSO Major Case Unit arrived at the scene to investigate. The home had Ring surveillance which deputies were able to pull footage from. It appeared that only Williams had been inside the home, and the only one who was armed. No signs of struggles, or forced entry were found.
A search warrant was obtained and served by detectives and they seized two Glock handguns, four long guns, and a large amount of ammunition. A .35 level action rifle was found near the deceased animal with a spent round still in the chamber. Palm Coast Animal Control came to remove the dead dog, and University of Florida for a necropsy.
Because of the evidence obtained, deputies were able to arrest and charge Williams for Animal Cruelty Causing Death, Pain, and Suffering and Discharging a Firearm on a Residential Property. He is being held on no bond.
“This man tried to cover up his crime by claiming that an intruder killed his dog,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Violence is never the answer, especially violence against animals who cannot protect themselves. I hope he will never be able to have a pet again and be held accountable for the death of his dog.”
