Scruffy was a 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier, whose life began and ended with abuse. As a puppy, Scruffy was abused and shuffled from home to home. After a period of time, he went to live with a caring family, the Whitmire's of Kansas City, Kansas. The Whitmire's took Scruffy in after hearing about his abusive past, and decided to give Scruffy to their granddaughter. It seemed as if Scruffy was going to be able to live out the rest of his life in peace, in a home where he was loved and well cared for. He now had the love of a little girl who wanted nothing but to love him and play with him, and it appeared Scruffy's nightmare was finally over. Scruffy enjoyed his new life and the love of this little girl, and she grew up and eventually had a child of her own. Now Scruffy's life was complete, he was the cherished pet of a family, and had everything a little dog wants and needs to be happy. Unfortunately what happened next was worse than anything anyone could have imagined. June 27, 1997 was the day Scruffy is alleged to have met with Jose Gutierrez - age 17, Marcus Rodriguez - age 18, Richard Golubski - age 20 and Lance Arsenalt - age 21. This is the day Scruff's nightmare began and eventually ended with his murder.

These 4 young men set fire, tried to break the dogs jaws, attempted to decapitate the dog and finally beat the dog to death with a shovel and videotaped themselves in the act. They told the police they did this because they were bored. The videotape was six minutes long and the boys made copies of it and distributed them to their friends. Rodriguez and Arsenault have a history of drug use. Arsenault was on probation for possession of drug paraphernalia when he and the other 3 were charged with murdering Scruffy.

It wasn't until January 6, 1998 that someone, who received the videotape, turned the copy over to the police. On February 9, 1998 official charges of arson and animal cruelty were brought against the four boys.

15 months later on September 11, 1998 the four were sentenced.

Marcus Rodriquez, 18, got a sentence of 2 years and 3 months in prison for arson and a year in the county jail for animal cruelty. He got a credit for 3 months for time already served and will not have to serve the additional year if he completes a parole program.

Lance Arsenault, 21, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison for arson and a year in the county jail for animal cruelty. He too got a credit for 3 months for time already served and will not have to serve the additional year if he completes a parole program.

Richard Golumbski, 20 and Jose Gutierrez, 17, received prison and jail terms but were place on probation for two years and are expected to receive psychiatric treatment.

Update: On August 5, 1998, Lance Arsenault now age 22, was ordered back to jail for six months for violating probation on prior drug possession charges. (The commission of the crimes against Scruffy, a felony and a misdemeanor, and failing to show proof that he had been adhering to the drug testing requirements of his probation.

Click on "Home" to go to Webring Index

FastCounter by bCentral

Created 12/18/99
Updated 06/25/05