Pit bull linked to torture dog walker case is to be put down

6/8/2007

A pit bull at the center of a two-day torture case involving a dog walker is scheduled to be euthanized today, a day after one of two suspects wanted in the case turned himself in.

The adult female pit bull that ran away from Anthony Pierson was taken to the Lucas County dog warden's office Monday after it was found at large in the area of Byrne Road and Heatherdowns Boulevard, warden Tom Skeldon said.

Police showed pictures of the black pit bull with white head and bright blue eyes to Pierson, who is in good condition in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. He confirmed it was the dog he was walking for Jada Farthing and Robert Lawhorn when it ran away from him on Memorial Day in South Toledo, Mr. Skeldon said.

Lawhorn, 30, of 2158 Mellwood Ct. yesterday turned himself in at Toledo Municipal Court, where he was arraigned on kidnapping and felonious assault charges. He was released late last night from the county jail after posting $200,000 bond.

Still at large is Alexander Williams, 21, who frequents 511 Miller St. and has the alias "Ding-Ding." He and Ms. Farthing, 29, of 556 1/2 Carlton St. face the same charges in the attack.

Ms. Farthing was arrested Sunday, when police were made aware of the assault, and was released from the jail Tuesday, also on $200,000 bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing today in municipal court.

Pierson, who has declined requests for an interview, was kidnapped May 30, bound with duct tape to a pole in Ms. Farthing's basement, and beaten with a hammer and a board. The attack was an attempt to obtain information from him about the pit bull that ran away, an investigator said.

Mr. Skeldon said the pit bull was in heat and believed to be a breeding female. The man who brought in the dog is not believed to be connected with the torture case, authorities said.

The recovered pit bull and five pit-bull puppies authorities seized from Ms. Farthing's basement are to be euthanized today. The warden said his office does not offer pit bulls for adoption.

An adult male pit bull found inside the Miller address will be held longer because it was licensed, Mr. Skeldon said. He has said there was evidence of dog-fighting at both locations.

Anyone with information about Mr. Williams' whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stopper at 419-255-1111.