Dog shot, killed in backyard – again

The 1-year-old, four-pound Yorkie dog shot and killed in its owner’s backyard Aug. 10 is not the only dog that has been shot and killed at the same Desert Cedars residence in the 44300 block of Yucca Lane.

According to the Maricopa Police Department, Dr. Scott Conley lived in the home three years ago when his 4-year-old chocolate lab, Marley, was killed in the same backyard at almost the exact time of night, between 9:30 and 11 p.m., while the owner was grocery shopping.

"I found her on the side of the wall with basically a bullet wound in her head," Conley told FOX 10.

In the most recent shooting, the daughter of the owner of the Yorkie, named Otto, found the dog bleeding and panting before it passed away.

“We are assuming somebody in very close proximity shot over the wall and into the backyard in both instances,” MPD spokesman Ricky Alvarado said.

The department learned of the second shooting Sunday and is in the process of canvassing the neighborhood to find clues of the shooter and confirm any connection between the two shootings.

The current owners of the home had a 9-year-old English bulldog pass away two weeks ago as well in a pool of blood. They thought it was due to a sickness or old age at the time but they suspect it may be the result of a shooting now as well.

“The suspect may have used a pellet gun or .22 caliber rifle in the shooting; we are still in the process of figuring that out,” Alvarado said.

Call the MPD Crime Tip line at 520-316-6900 if you have any information on these crimes.