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Man arrested in connection with kidnapping, death of 8-year-old dog

SWATARA TWP., Dauphin County — An arrest has been made in connection with the kidnapping and death of an 8-year-old dog named Bella. Swatara Township Poli...
Christopher Roberts_graphic
Christopher Roberts

SWATARA TWP., Dauphin County — An arrest has been made in connection with the kidnapping and death of an 8-year-old dog named Bella.

Swatara Township Police announced Monday night that Christopher Roberts, 19, has been charged with burglary, aggravated cruelty to animals and theft by unlawful taking. Damien Malfara, the owner of the Boston Terrier/Jack Russell mix, confirmed to FOX43 that Roberts was arrested in relation to the case.

Bella the dog

Roberts allegedly entered Malfara’s residence in the 600 block of Carbon Avenue Friday morning and took Bella out of the home. Police allege that he then took the dog to another location and used a knife to cut and stab her.

Bella was found in the 300 block of Rupp Hill Road.

According to police, Roberts allegedly admitted that he wanted to kill the dog as a result of a failed relationship with one of the dog’s owners.

Roberts is currently awaiting arraignment.

Carolyn Dymond, the mother of Bella’s owner, sent this statement to FOX43 regarding the arrest of Roberts:

I want to thank everyone for their support and kindness. Swatara Twp Police made an arrest this afternoon. The suspect confessed and police were able to recover the knife that was used to kill Bella. We are very grateful to the witness that saw her being dumped and called police. As sad as we are at losing Bella, it is more heartbreaking to know that it was someone we knew and Bella happily ran to them. Hopefully, now that this is over, we will be able to get her back soon.

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