Owner of dog killed in car theft says he'll never forget 'Kona'
The owner of a dog found dead inside his stolen car told a judge Monday he hopes the accused thief never leaves jail.
Bill Robbins' minute-long statement came during a Multnomah County Circuit Court arraignment for Francisco Vincent Gonzalez, who was arrested April 14 after police found him in a North Portland hotel. Police said Gonzalez stole Robbins' car with the dog, named Kona, inside.
A Multnomah County grand jury indicted him on new charges Tuesday including felony unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, first-degree theft, identity theft and possession of methamphetamine. He was also charged with five misdemeanors related to animal abuse, animal neglect and animal abandonment. Gonzalez pleaded not guilty....
Prosecutor Brian Davidson declined to discuss specifics of the case but said the nature of the animal crimes doesn't happen often in the county. When they happen, however, the cases are significant and troubling, he said.
Robbins reported the theft occurred April 7 about 3:30 p.m...
Officers arrested Gonzalez on April 12 at the Super Value Inn Motel in North Portland. Gonzalez confessed to detectives that he stole the car and dog, then abandoned the car with the pet inside, according to a probable cause affidavit filed April 15. Officers also arrested his wife, Linda Kathy Gutierrez, 33, on accusations of hindering prosecution.
Circuit Court Judge Karin J. Immergut raised Gonzalez's bail from $33,000 to $135,000 after prosecutor Brian Davidson requested it, noting that Gonzalez has been the subject of federal prosecution twice before on immigration offenses.
