Two arrested after allegedly beating two dogs to death, disposing of them in trash

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two people have been arrested after allegedly beating two dogs to death and then disposing of them in the trash.

According to a criminal complaint, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, Humane Officers responded to an animal cruelty complaint at 501 Thompson St. Apt. 2 in Charleston.

Upon arrival, officers found two deceased dogs in trash bags on the sidewalk in front of the address.

The defendant, 52-year-old Crystal Reynolds, stated she had acquired the dogs a few days prior.

She claimed the dogs became sick and died, and she did not know how to dispose of them.

Reynolds reported that one dog had died four days earlier, and the other had died the previous night.

The dogs were taken to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association for necropsies.

The examination of the first deceased dog revealed multiple fractures in both front legs and the upper and lower jaw.

The veterinarian conducting the necropsy indicated that blunt-force trauma likely contributed to the dog’s death and suggested the dog had been dead for more than four days.

Reynolds admitted she was aware that she could surrender the dogs for medical treatment but chose not to do so.

Crystal Reynolds along with 37-year-old Stephen Reynolds were arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals and Mistreat an Animal in Cruel Manner.

Crystal is currently out on bond while Stephen Reynolds is at South Central Regional Jail on a $2,000 cash-only bond.