Memphis, Tennessee – On June 20, someone doused a young dog in gasoline and set her on fire. Residents in the Nutbush area saw her running on the street…her body completely engulfed in flames.
Against all odds, the year-old dog, dubbed Riona, survived, and amazingly, her sweet demeanor remained intact. Riona initially went to Memphis Animal Services, and then Tails of Hope Dog Rescue took her under its wing.
The horrific burns, covering 60 percent of her body, have been treated by Bluff City Veterinary Specialists and as she recovers, the world has fallen in love with her.
People from across the globe want two things for Riona – her complete recovery, and justice. Riona’s abuser must be found and prosecuted! A reward fund to find the person(s) responsible has climbed to over $16,000.
We the undersigned demand that Quishon Brown face the maximum punishment for the charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Arson to wit Set Fire to Personal Property, and Simple Assault; charges resulting from setting a dog dubbed Riona on fire. We also demand that this man be permanently forbidden from owning or residing with animals.
Note: 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.
Final Update 3/05/2024: Victory! On March 4, Quishon Brown was ordered not to have an animal in perpetuity, ordered to pay court costs, and ordered to pay $1,000 to Tails of Hope. These fines and restrictions are part of a plea deal that was offered because Brown had already served one third of a two-year prison sentence and he had to be released if a third of his time was served without incident. Animal Victory sent over 40,000 signatures to the District Attorney and In Defense of Animals sent over 15,000 signatures. District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Assistant District Attorney Donna Fields diligently worked to keep this case from being dismissed and we applaud their efforts. Though Brown received a deal to reduce his prison time, his atrocious behavior will ensure that he spends more time behind bars. He has recently been arrested for the alleged rape of a minor family relative and could spend 25 years in prison if he receives the maximum penalty.
Update 1/12/2024: The next hearing for Quishon Brown is scheduled on 1/16/2024 before Melissa Boyd Judicial Officer at 9:00 a.m.
Update 12/4/2023: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the attorney and judge.
Update 11/29/2023: Animal Victory has learned the next court date for Quishon Brown is 12/5/2023, Judicial Officer Melissa Boyd presiding. Brown has forfeited his bail and is now being held in jail until his hearing.
Update 7/28/2023: Animal Victory has learned that this case is on the docket for 8/22 at 9 am.
Update 5/19/2023: Animal Victory has sent over 40,521 signatures to Prosecuting Attorney Bryce Phillips.
Update 4/26/2023: A Grand Jury has indicted Brown on four felonies; he is due in court on 5/31/2023. Animal Victory is disappointed to learn that a judge decreased his bond from $150,000 to $5,000 in court Thursday, April 6.
Update: 3/20/2023: Animal Victory sent cover letter and petition to the judge.
Update: 3/14/2023: Quishon Brown’s next court date is April 6th. His attorney requested a pretrial services order to get a bond reduction. It is currently set at $150,000.00. Quishon Brown has been in jail since July 16th, 2022 when he was arrested because he violated his bail conditions. Animal Victory will get the final petition in the hands of the judge for sentencing.
Update: 10/03/2022: During the pre-trial hearing on 9/19/2022, probable cause was found and the case was moved to “Held to State”, meaning it was sent upstairs to be heard by a grand jury for indictment. There are no exact court dates when that happens. All cases sent to Grand Jury are heard in the order they are revived and given an ‘x’ amount of time in the session. Animal Victory does not have the next court date as of yet.
Update 9/12/2022: The preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 19, 2022, at 9 a.m.
Update 8/27/2022: A Mental Evaluation is being held on August 30th, 9:00 AM.
Update 8/9/2022: Quishon Brown’s next court date is August 10. Read Quishon’s case docket here.Brown_ Quishon
Animal Victory has sent this petition along with 32,513 signatures to prosecuting attorney Melissa Harris and Senior Felony Assistant Bryce Phillips.
Update 7/22/2022: Brown’s $5,000 bond was revoked when he violated the bond conditions. Judge Louis Montesi then increased the bond to $150,000 after a recorded phone call, between a woman at his home and Brown, was played in General Sessions Court. On the recorded call, Brown said, “You can shoot people when they come on your property. You can shoot the reporter. Wait til I get out. I’m going to shoot them, and I’m going to tell them I’m going to shoot them.”
Update 7/17/2022: A Shelby County judge ordered Brown to surrender the two pets at his home and he was not supposed to own or have contact with pets, but he violated that order and was arrested again on 7/16/22 because police received information that he had a puppy. According to Action 5 News, the police did not find the puppy when they arrested Brown for violating the conditions of his bond. Brown’s next court date is scheduled for July 21.
Breaking News Update 7/12/2022 – The Memphis Police have announced the arrest of 43-year-old Quishon Brown. On July 12 he was taken to jail on charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Arson to wit Set Fire to Personal Property, and Simple Assault. Read the full press release from the police here: Arrest in Animal Cruelty Case
Please continue to share this petition as Animal Victory fights for the maximum sentence for each and every charge that Quishon Brown is facing!
Note: 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:
Action News 5 July 12 (video about arrest and Riona’s progress)
The rescue agency is selling t-shirts through Bonfire to help raise funds for Riona’s ongoing veterinary care. Please click here to learn more.
Prior Signatures 40,651
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