The Adams County district attorney’s office is declining to file charges against a man who shot and killed a family’s dog after it jumped a fence and attacked his dog.
In a letter to Commerce City police, the district attorney’s chief trial deputy states that “the evidence is insufficient for prosecution and conviction.”
“I am horrified that this man could get away with this,” said Emily Martinez, whose Labrador retriever mix, Clifford, was killed Saturday night. “How is this possible? There were witnesses who haven’t even been interviewed.”
However, the family of Kevin Burr, the man who shot Clifford, said he was simply trying to protect his dog after Clifford jumped the fence.
“It was a tragic end to something that was preventable,” said Pam Burr, wife of Kevin. “We grieve as well. Our hearts go out to the family. And we want to start healing.”
The incident started Saturday night, when officers responded to several 911 calls in the 14800 block of East 116th Avenue just after 5 p.m.
“Residents reported a Labrador mix jumped the property fence and attacked a border collie mix,” the police statement read. “The owner of the collie was unable to separate the animals and discharged his legally concealed weapon.”
Witnesses, however, reported a slightly different version of events.
“He had no right to shoot that dog,” said neighbor Chris Keumerle, who witnessed the shooting and said he saw the Lab mix, running from the side of the house.
