Sign: Cruel Landlord Broke into Home and Fatally Shot Tenants’ Cat

Published: October 24, 2024 at 02:07 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Morganton, NC – A North Carolina man is facing a slew of charges after breaking into a home and killing his tenants’ cat, Frank. Police say Dustin Timothy McCormack broke into Harmony Chizem and her boyfriend, Preston Finley’s home on July 10, while the couple was away on vacation.

Frank was chased out to the porch, kicked, and shot by McCormack, who tried to justify his deplorable actions by saying that the tenants were not allowed to have a cat, and he was simply trying to scare him from the porch.

Who scares a cat with a gun?

Frank had already been chased out of the safety of his home. Dustin McCormack could have simply closed the door and walked away, but instead, he kicked the cat and then shot him.

Harmony Chizem tells WSOCTV how she felt when she viewed surveillance footage of her cat being gunned down, “Just crying. I kind of get like I was having a panic attack with what had gone on because it was so cruel.”

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office press release outlines the investigation findings:

The investigator was also shown footage from a live Facebook video made by McCormack, in which he appeared to be referring to the incident. The Investigator also found a Facebook post made by McCormack that references the victim and shows pictures of the victim’s residence. Warrants for McCormack’s arrest were obtained and he turned himself in.

Please add your name to the petition – we cannot allow this man’s reckless disregard for the law to continue unchecked. His escalating criminal behavior has put too many lives at risk, and it’s time for justice to be served before more harm is done.

Click this link Dustin McCormack Hearings to see the various charges and upcoming court dates for McCormack.

Note: A friend was caring for Frank while the couple was away on vacation. McCormack was in jail but bonded out on a $10,000 bond.  The case number for the animal cruelty charge is # 24CRS360869.  A court date is pending for this case to be held in Superior Court in North Carolina.

Target

• Scott Reilly, Burke County District Attorney

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Dustin Timothy McCormack receive the maximum sentence for every charge stemming from the July 10 incident, where he broke into his tenants’ home and killed their innocent cat. McCormack’s behavior demonstrates a shocking disregard for life and decency. Animal Victory and its supporters stand firm in seeking justice for Frank. Not only should McCormack face significant jail time, but he must also be permanently banned from owning or living with animals in the future. Justice must be served to ensure no other defenseless creatures fall victim to his cruelty.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

WSOCTV

WHKY

Burke County Sheriffs Office Press Release

Update 03/16/2025: Animal Victory sent petition to the DA.

Update 02/18/2025: This case is being prosecuted by ADA Kaylee Wohlenhaus. The next hearing date is April 7, 2025 in Superior Court.

Update 11/06/2024: As of November 6, the investigation is still active, and McCormack is still waiting to be indicted by the Grand Jury. Harmony Haven, Frank’s owner, is very grateful for the petition. Please continue to sign.