Babysitter Arrested for Allegedly Killing Family Dog in Front of 4-Year-Old Child
Jan 31, 11:00 AM
An 18-year-old babysitter in Wisconsin has been arrested and charged with mistreatment of animals causing death using a dangerous weapon after allegedly killing the family's chihuahua in front of the 4-year-old child she was watching. The incident occurred in the Village of Sussex, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
Deputies from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department responded to a call regarding a deceased family dog named "Batman" found inside a residence on January 26. The responding officers observed injuries on the dog consistent with a stab wound and noticed that a plastic bag had been placed over its head.
According to a press release from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, the family had a babysitter, identified as Kielee Sonnemann, at their home on January 25. They suspected that she had killed the dog, an 8-year-old Chihuahua. Sonnemann was subsequently interviewed by the police and arrested for her alleged involvement in the dog's death.
Lt. Nicholas Wenzel from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department stated, "While the victims of this incident grieve the loss of a beloved family pet, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department fully recognizes the severity of this crime."
In an interview with Milwaukee NBC affiliate WTMJ, the family revealed that their 4-year-old daughter discovered the deceased dog beneath a pile of blood-soaked blankets. During her police interview, Sonnemann did not confess to any specific wrongdoing but admitted to "shooing" the dog away to some extent. She also told police that when she gets angry and lashes out, everything goes blank, and she does not remember what happened that evening.
As the investigation continued, Sonnemann reportedly stated that "there was a lot of drama going on" and that it "sounded like I did it" regarding Batman's death.
Prosecutors have emphasized that there is evidence suggesting that Sonnemann killed the dog in front of the 4-year-old child. Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper expressed concern about the case, stating, "There's at least some suggestion that this was a crime of violence perpetrated in the presence of a 4-year-old child. The crime itself is very disturbing."
If convicted, Sonnemann faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison for the alleged mistreatment of animals causing death using a dangerous weapon. The case highlights the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the incident, especially considering the presence of a young child during the alleged crime.
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Deputies from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department responded to a call regarding a deceased family dog named "Batman" found inside a residence on January 26. The responding officers observed injuries on the dog consistent with a stab wound and noticed that a plastic bag had been placed over its head.
According to a press release from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, the family had a babysitter, identified as Kielee Sonnemann, at their home on January 25. They suspected that she had killed the dog, an 8-year-old Chihuahua. Sonnemann was subsequently interviewed by the police and arrested for her alleged involvement in the dog's death.
Lt. Nicholas Wenzel from the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department stated, "While the victims of this incident grieve the loss of a beloved family pet, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department fully recognizes the severity of this crime."
In an interview with Milwaukee NBC affiliate WTMJ, the family revealed that their 4-year-old daughter discovered the deceased dog beneath a pile of blood-soaked blankets. During her police interview, Sonnemann did not confess to any specific wrongdoing but admitted to "shooing" the dog away to some extent. She also told police that when she gets angry and lashes out, everything goes blank, and she does not remember what happened that evening.
As the investigation continued, Sonnemann reportedly stated that "there was a lot of drama going on" and that it "sounded like I did it" regarding Batman's death.
Prosecutors have emphasized that there is evidence suggesting that Sonnemann killed the dog in front of the 4-year-old child. Waukesha County District Attorney Susan Opper expressed concern about the case, stating, "There's at least some suggestion that this was a crime of violence perpetrated in the presence of a 4-year-old child. The crime itself is very disturbing."
If convicted, Sonnemann faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison for the alleged mistreatment of animals causing death using a dangerous weapon. The case highlights the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the incident, especially considering the presence of a young child during the alleged crime.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com