Sign: Teens Charged After Multiple Charred Dog Remains Discovered

Published: April 05, 2024 at 01:59 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Allegany County, Maryland – Two Maryland teenagers are facing multiple counts of animal cruelty after investigators made a grim discovery, finding the charred remains of seven dogs on wooded property in Allegany County.

On March 15, a search warrant was executed by the Allegany County Special Operations Response Team at a property in the 13000 Block of Tulip Street, in Cumberland. The charred remains of multiple mixed-breed dogs were found in a burn pile; K9 dogs with the Office of the State Fire Marshal who were deployed detected “some type of accelerant” at the site. Investigators also located the skeletal remains of numerous dogs throughout the property.

Results of the investigation led to the arrest of Justin Uzonna Anabaraonye, 18, of Cumberland, and Paul Thomas Baylor III, 19, of Bowie. Anabaraonye is facing six counts of animal cruelty and aggravated animal cruelty, and Baylor is facing four counts of animal cruelty.

Anabaraoyne and Baylor were booked into the Allegany County Detention Center.

Please add your name to the petition today! The allegations are abhorrent. Nobody knows the horrors these dogs suffered before being burned like unwanted trash. We need your support to ensure that the charges these men are facing will not be dismissed – animal cruelty MUST be taken seriously.

We the undersigned demand that Justin Uzonna Anabaraonye and Paul Thomas Baylor III face the maximum sentence for all charges related the discovery of charred dog remains on property in Allegany County. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for these individuals to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. 

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:

WCBC

Daily Voice

People

Cumberland Times

Update 9/18/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the DA and Judge with updated signatures. 

Update 6/12/2024: Both cases have now been moved to circuit court. These individuals are being charged and potentially tried as adults. The new case number for Paul Thomas Baylor, C-01-CR-24-000312. Next status hearing for Baylor is on 10/29/2024, and trial is scheduled for 11/06/2024.

The new case number for Justin Uzonna Anabaraonye is C-01-CR-24-000307. Status hearing is on 09/24/2024 and trial is scheduled for 10/03/2024.

Charges for both individuals have been increased to four felonies each, and one misdemeanor. Both hearing and trials will be in front of either Judge Getty or Judge Twigg. A State Attorney has not yet been assigned to either case.

Update 5/2/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the DA and Judge.