Sign: Teen Brutally Stabbed Tethered Dog Who Was Given To Him by A Friend

Published: January 02, 2025 at 07:19 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

Martin County, FL – A Florida teen is accused of a brutal act of animal cruelty that claimed the life of a dog who had been given to him by a friend. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, 16-year-old Coleson Charles Hibbard tethered the dog to a tree before stabbing him to death. According to the authorities, the details of the crime are too disturbing to disclose publicly.

In a December 30 news release, the sheriff’s office writes:

The details associated with this case are so disturbing that we are unable to disclose them on social media. However, we can tell you that a video of the brutal stabbing and subsequent violent death of the helpless animal was recorded. The video, which was collected into evidence, shows in part, the dog tied to a tree with a gaping stab wound, and Hibbard can be heard on the recording, which somehow made its way onto social media. Hibbard indicated he wanted the dog’s skull for a mount.

It is a vicious crime that has sparked worries of a serial killer in the making. Comments on the social media news release include:

“This is the start of a potential serial killer. Soulless.” And “I hope he never leaves prison. He will definitely kill a person one day, so scary.” Another person said, “He is a serial killer in the making! He needs to be put away for life.”

Representative Image (Dreamstime)

Suffice it to say, people learning about Hibbard’s deranged behavior realize its seriousness and they want to see him off the streets for as long as possible. Animal Victory needs your signature to help put Coleson Charles Hibbard behind bars for as long as possible. An innocent dog died a horrible death because of this teen, and he must be held fully accountable! Coleson Hibbard has been charged with felony animal cruelty and was taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Targets

• • Martin County State Attorney in Stuart, Florida

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand justice for the innocent dog whose life was cruelly stolen by Coleson Charles Hibbard. This young man inflicted unimaginable suffering on a helpless dog, and he must be held accountable for his despicable actions. 

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this perpetrator accountable not only denies justice to his slain victim but also endangers the community at large. It is critical that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated. We further demand that Hibbard undergoes a full mental evaluation and treatment as deemed necessary by medical professionals. 

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.

Note: The authorities have received tips that this dog may not be the only animal abused by Coleson Charles Hibbard. The investigation is ongoing. Also, we are unaware if this was a male or female dog. We have chosen to refer to the dog as “he” because the dog is not a thing and deserves more than being called “it.”

News:

Tampa Free Press

Martin County Sheriff

N’Cuffs

CASE UPDATES

Final Update: 9/04/2026: VICTORY!!!! Defendant Coleson Charles Hibbard, Case #25000029CFAXMX, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with credit served for one day. He was then sentenced to three years probation. He must provide a DNA sample as well as undergo mental health evaluation treatment. His fine comes to $615 and he was fingerprinted. Judgement and Sentencing document attached. Thankyou to over 22,000 of you who signed the petition, helping Animal Victory secure this victory! We especially wish to thank Judge Elizabeth Metzger and Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlin C. Lustgarten for acknowledging our petition and for understanding the seriousness of the crime.

Judgement and Sentencing Coleson Charles Hibbard.pdf

Update 8/06/2026: Defendant Coleson Charles Hibbard, Case #25000029CFAXMX. Sentencing is now scheduled for 09/0/2026 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Elizabeth Metzger. Location: Third Floor, Courtroom 2.

Update: Defendant Coleson Charles Hibbard, Case #25000029CFAXMX. Sentencing is now scheduled for 08/05/2026 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Elizabeth Metzger. Location: Third Floor, Courtroom 2.

Update: Defendant Coleson Charles Hibbard, Case #25000029CFAXMX – sentencing is scheduled for 07/07/2026 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Elizabeth Metzger, Location: Third Floor, Courtroom 2.

Update 5/28/2026: Today’s hearing has been a “change of plea,” but there has been no other update.

Update 4/14/2026: Change of Plea rescheduled for 05/28/2026 at 10:15 a.m. Location: A3-2. Before Judge Elizabeth Metzger. Charles Colson Hibbard, #25000029CFAXMX, Martin County, FL.

Update 2/5/2026: Docket sounding has been continued to 04/06/2026 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Elizabeth Metzger in Third Floor, Room 2.

Update 12/18/2025: Docket sounding for Charles Colson Hibbard, Case #25000029CFAXMX is scheduled for 2/2/2026 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Elizabeth A. Metzger, Third Floor, Room 2.

Update 12/2/2025: Docket sounding for Hibbard was continued to 12/02/2025 at 1:30 p.m. E.S.T

Update 10/23/2025: Charles Colson Hibbard’s next hearing is a docket sounding on 12/1/2025 at 1:30 p.m. E.S.T. before Judge William L. Roby. In Florida, a docket sounding is a pre-trial hearing where a judge and attorneys discuss the status of a case and set specific trial dates. It’s a final opportunity for parties to announce their readiness for trial, enter a plea, or request a continuance if they need more time. The court uses the docket sounding to efficiently schedule the cases ready to go to trial from the overall court calendar. Case #25000029CFAXMX.

Update 10/2/2025: There has been no future scheduling update as of today. This case is still open and active.

Update 8/08/2025: Defendant Coleson Charles Hibbard, Case #25000029CFAXMX. Prosecuting Attorney: Kaitlin C. Lustgarten. Hibbard was charged with Cruelty to Animals, Torture – a felony. Next appearance is on October 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge William L. Roby.

Update 8/17/2025: Animal Victory sent petition to the judge and DA with updated signatures.