CRIME BLOTTER

Residents suspect a serial dog killer on Whidbey Island

Dec 4, 2024, 6:58 PM | Updated: Dec 5, 2024, 8:20 am

Image: Family pets Kimber, left, and Beretta were killed and dumped on Whidbey Island after escapin...

Family pets Kimber, left, and Beretta were killed and dumped on Whidbey Island after escaping their yard last month. (Photo provided by the Smeltzer family)

(Photo provided by the Smeltzer family)

For Jenna Smeltzer the ordeal started Nov. 19 when her two dogs, Beretta, 3, and Kimber, 2, escaped their backyard near Oak Harbor and disappeared. Jenna looked for them tirelessly for five days and then she got the call. Her pets were found dead near a trailhead in Dugualla State Park. One had its throat slashed, the other was apparently beaten to death. Their collars were removed, and they were stacked on top of each other.

Smeltzer wonders who could have committed such a brutal, senseless crime.

“A sick and cruel individual. Someone who lacks complete and total empathy for living animals and probably people too,” she said.

Two days after Smeltzer’s dogs disappeared, two other dogs disappeared from another family home just a few miles away and are still missing. Some residents fear they may meet the same fate.

“No one has had an actual sighting of them. They got out on (Nov. 22), which was like three days after our dogs and we only live like five miles of each other,” Smeltzer said.

Crime blotter: Covering the crimes committed in the Puget Sound region

Investigators with the Island County Sheriff’s Office have not said whether they believe a single person or people are killing area dogs, but pet owners in the area are on alert and keeping their pets close. And the entire community is showing support.

“Everyone here has donated, and everyone is offering emotional support. It’s been amazing and I really appreciate it,” Smeltzer said.

Investigators believe the dogs were killed somewhere else and dumped at the trail head.

Smeltzer hopes the other two lost dogs are found and the person who responsible for these crimes is brought to justice.

“Hopefully our dogs’ deaths weren’t in vain and maybe will lead to finding something so this doesn’t happen again,” Smeltzer said.

Western Washington news: 2 dead, including a 15-year-old, after multiple vehicle collisions

So far, investigators have no suspects.

There is a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution. If anyone has any information, they are encouraged to call the Island County Sheriff’s Office at (360) 679-9567 or email them at tips@islandcountywa.gov.

Image: A reward poster seeking information in the killings of two family dogs can be seen.

A reward poster seeking information in the killings of two family dogs can be seen. (Graphic courtesy of the Island County Sheriff’s Office)

James Lynch is a reporter at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of James’ stories here. Follow James on X, or email him here.

Crime Blotter

Photo: An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8....

Julia Dallas

Woman suing Alaska Airlines, claims airline negligent in sexual assault

A woman is suing Alaska Airlines after a man allegedly sexually assaulted her during a flight.

15 hours ago

sentenced to 20 years WA...

Frank Sumrall

‘Every parent’s nightmare:’ Man sentenced to 20 years for abducting WA girl

A man from Michigan was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he was found guilty of traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a WA minor.

24 hours ago

Photo: These two donkeys were allegedly stolen from Bellevue and were found in Fall City....

Julia Dallas

Woman who turned in reportedly stolen donkeys says she bought them from man she met on OfferUp

Two beloved donkeys belonging to an owner in Bellevue have been found, according to the Bellevue Police Department.

2 days ago

Image: Lieutenant John O'Neil, a 20-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, has filed a laws...

Jason Rantz

Rantz Exclusive: City of Seattle hit with another discrimination and harassment complaint

Another Seattle lawsuit was filed against the city, alleging discrimination and hostile environment at its police department.

2 days ago

Sammamish man charged with murder...

Bill Kaczaraba

Sammamish tragedy: Man allegedly shoots wife, flees to Seattle with infant son

The 35-year-old Sammamish man is in jail after a King County judge held him in the death of 36-year-old Yiwen Lu.

3 days ago

14-year-old...

Frank Sumrall

Mother, 29, arrested after son, 14, allegedly beaten to death for failing to do chores

The death of a 14-year-old boy at a South Seattle home has prompted an investigation led by the Seattle Police Department.

3 days ago

Residents suspect a serial dog killer on Whidbey Island