New York

New Jersey Woman Uses Shovel, Claw Hammer to Beat Family Dog to Death, Then Brags About It: Prosecutors

A New Jersey woman used a shovel and claw hammer to beat her family's dog to death and then bragged about it, prosecutors say. 

Mercer County prosecutors say 19-year-old Hightstown resident Michelle Wankoff faces several counts, including animal cruelty and tampering with evidence.

The charges stem from an investigation that began when Hightstown police got a tip that Wankoff had bragged about killing and burying the 9-year-old mixed breed dog.

Authorities say Wankoff initially tried to poison the dog with various medications late last month. When that failed, they say, she repeatedly hit the dog on the head with a shovel and claw hammer until it died.

After storing the dog's body in a small refrigerator in her bedroom for a few days, Wankoff buried the animal in a shallow grave in the woods near her home, authorities said.

State examiners will conduct a necropsy on the dog.

Prosecutors said a friend of Wankoff's was cited for tampering with evidence because he helped Wankoff bury the dog.

A telephone number for Wankoff couldn't be found Monday. It isn't clear if she has an attorney who could comment on the charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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