LAS VEGAS (AP) - A 22-year-old Las Vegas man who told police he slashed the throat of the family dog because he liked to hurt animals is taking a plea deal that could get him probation or up to four years in prison.
Jeremy Espiritu waived a preliminary hearing Monday on a felony killing an animal charge.
He and his public defender, Donishia Campbell, instead told a Las Vegas judge that he will plead guilty March 5 to a reduced charge of attempting to kill an animal.
Police say Espiritu admitted stabbing and slitting the throat of the black Labrador mixed breed named Serenity at his parents’ home on Dec. 5.
The dog died at an animal hospital.
Espiritu underwent a court-ordered psychological evaluation and was found to be fit for trial.
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