Pointing out holes in the prosecution’s case, defense attorneys for Russell Middleton — the Longmont man accused of his shooting his pit bull in the head — said their client did not pull the trigger.
“You’re not going to hear any evidence that proves that Mr. Middleton shot Ice Tee,” said April Coleman, his defense attorney.
“You’re not going to hear from anyone who saw Mr. Middleton shoot Ice Tee. Mr. Middleton wasn’t seen with Ice Tee after he was injured and bleeding. Mr. Middleton wasn’t seen leaving Ice Tee on the side of the road.”
Attorneys for the defense and the prosecution made their opening arguments late Monday afternoon in the trial of Middleton, 37, for aggravated animal cruelty.
Middleton is also facing other charges, include three counts of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, one count of violating bail bond conditions and one count of violating a criminal protection order.
He is set for trial later this month for those charges.
Boulder County sheriff’s investigators arrested Middleton last July after they wandering near St. Vrain Road and U.S. 36.
The 62-pound dog, named was originally named Ice Tee.
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