Pedro , Lawrence County , Ohio

Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies have arrested the second suspect in the brutal slaying of two dogs in Pedro, Ohio.

Jonathan D. Jiles, 20, of 27 Private Drive 380, State Route 373, was arrested at his residence about 8 p.m. Wednesday without incident on an outstanding warrant concerning his involvement in the death of the two dogs last weekend in Pedro, Ohio, according to a news release from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. The two dogs were found with their throats slashed, and the animals were still chained to their doghouses.

The sheriff’s department said Jiles will face the same charges as the first suspect, Brian Sharp of Pedro. Sharp was charged with prohibition concerning companion animals and criminal trespassing.

“Both individuals have admitted their involvement to deputies,” Sheriff Jeff Lawless said. “They both claimed to be drunk at the time of this incident occurred and claim they did not target the Scythes family.”

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An arrest has been made in connection with the brutal killing of two dogs in Lawrence County, Ohio, over the weekend.

Brian Sharp, 20, of Pedro is charged with prohibition concerning companion animals and criminal trespassing, according to a news release from Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless.

Lawless said Sharp confessed to the crime and that he wasn't the only one responsible. Deputies are now searching for another suspect in the case.

“An extensive investigation was conducted yesterday, and the information we obtained led us to Mr. Sharp,” Lawless said. “There is no clear motive. From our interview with Mr. Sharp, this appears to be a random act of violence.”

Sharp is set to appear in Ironton Municipal Court for an arraignment later this week. Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for more on this developing story.

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The owner of two dogs in Lawrence County, Ohio, that were stabbed to death while still chained to their doghouses said she is stunned about the brutality of the crime.

"I can't believe somebody would be that sick to do something like that," Josie Scythes said. "It still doesn't feel real. I don't know why somebody would do this.”

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the deaths of the dogs, Bubba and Bear, who were found with their throats slit over the weekend. The incident happened in the 300 block of state Route 373 in the Pedro area.

Scythes and her husband, Michael, buried their two beloved pets this weekend.

The crime has disturbed community members. "I'm just really disgusted," said a neighbor who wanted to remain anonymous. She noticed the dogs covered in blood early Saturday morning, and went to tell the couple. "I didn't want them to be surprised and not knowing what was happening," she said.

Now the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department is trying to figure out why it happened. Sheriff Jeff Lawless said, "Was the anger towards the owners of the dogs? Was the anger toward the dogs themselves? Why would someone take this sort of aggressive action toward a dog? It has us concerned."

Scythes said she just wants to know who did this to her dogs. She also said she believes anyone who could do this to an animal may make a person the next victim.

"Is it going to be more animals, or a kid, or an elderly person who can't defend themselves? That's what I'm scared of. This person needs to be put behind bars," she said.

The owners of the dogs are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 740-532-3525.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for the latest on this developing story.

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Deputies in Lawrence County, Ohio, are investigating the brutal death of two dogs that were found with their throats slit. The bodies of the animals were discovered still chained to their doghouse.

The incident happened at a home in the 300 block of state Route 373 in the Pedro area over the weekend.

Josie Schythes, the owner of the dogs, said she found her pets dead about 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Schythes said the dogs, named Bubba and Bear, a Walker and a bassethound/Labrador mix, were stabbed and their throats slit.

Schythes said she just wants to know who did this to her dogs. She also said she believes anyone who could do this to an animal may make a person the next victim.

Deputies may release more information Monday as the investigation continues. Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for the latest on this developing story.

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