Topline: The affidavit claims the act was fueled by spite after a recent breakup with the dog’s owner.
Published: July 17, 2025 8:00 am ET
Must Read
Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz (via Harnett County Sheriff's Office)
CAMERON, NC — A North Carolina man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after investigators say he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s dog in a fit of anger late last month.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz was at his ex-girlfriend’s home on June 26 in Cameron, North Carolina, to retrieve his belongings following a recent breakup. While there, authorities allege, he took the family’s dog, a pet named Luna, into the yard, pressed a semi-automatic handgun against her rib cage, and fired approximately four times at close range.
The affidavit describes the act as an “execution,” noting that Luna had not provoked or threatened De La Cruz. A witness told investigators that Luna had just been let outside to relieve herself when the shooting occurred. According to court documents, De La Cruz allegedly picked up the dog, walked to the left side of the front yard, and, visibly upset, stated, “I’m tired of this s***” before pulling the trigger.
After the shooting, De La Cruz reportedly carried Luna’s body into nearby woods and left her in a ditch. The family later recovered her remains.
The affidavit claims De La Cruz killed the dog “maliciously” and “out of spite,” motivated by a desire to get revenge on his ex-girlfriend’s family.
De La Cruz was arrested last week and charged with one felony count of cruelty to animals. He made his first court appearance on July 11 and was assigned a court-appointed attorney, WRAL reported.
His next appearance is scheduled for July 29.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Court Docs: Teen Shot Ex’s Family Dog Four Times Out of Revenge
The affidavit claims the act was fueled by spite after a recent breakup with the dog’s owner.
By Jacob Charles
Published: July 17, 2025 8:00 am ET
Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz (via Harnett County Sheriff's Office)
CAMERON, NC — A North Carolina man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after investigators say he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s dog in a fit of anger late last month.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz was at his ex-girlfriend’s home on June 26 in Cameron, North Carolina, to retrieve his belongings following a recent breakup. While there, authorities allege, he took the family’s dog, a pet named Luna, into the yard, pressed a semi-automatic handgun against her rib cage, and fired approximately four times at close range.
The affidavit describes the act as an “execution,” noting that Luna had not provoked or threatened De La Cruz. A witness told investigators that Luna had just been let outside to relieve herself when the shooting occurred. According to court documents, De La Cruz allegedly picked up the dog, walked to the left side of the front yard, and, visibly upset, stated, “I’m tired of this s***” before pulling the trigger.
After the shooting, De La Cruz reportedly carried Luna’s body into nearby woods and left her in a ditch. The family later recovered her remains.
The affidavit claims De La Cruz killed the dog “maliciously” and “out of spite,” motivated by a desire to get revenge on his ex-girlfriend’s family.
De La Cruz was arrested last week and charged with one felony count of cruelty to animals. He made his first court appearance on July 11 and was assigned a court-appointed attorney, WRAL reported.
His next appearance is scheduled for July 29.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Court Docs: Teen Shot Ex’s Family Dog Four Times Out of Revenge
The affidavit claims the act was fueled by spite after a recent breakup with the dog’s owner.
By Jacob Charles
Published: July 17, 2025 8:00 am ET
Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz (via Harnett County Sheriff's Office)
CAMERON, NC — A North Carolina man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after investigators say he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend’s dog in a fit of anger late last month.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz was at his ex-girlfriend’s home on June 26 in Cameron, North Carolina, to retrieve his belongings following a recent breakup. While there, authorities allege, he took the family’s dog, a pet named Luna, into the yard, pressed a semi-automatic handgun against her rib cage, and fired approximately four times at close range.
The affidavit describes the act as an “execution,” noting that Luna had not provoked or threatened De La Cruz. A witness told investigators that Luna had just been let outside to relieve herself when the shooting occurred. According to court documents, De La Cruz allegedly picked up the dog, walked to the left side of the front yard, and, visibly upset, stated, “I’m tired of this s***” before pulling the trigger.
After the shooting, De La Cruz reportedly carried Luna’s body into nearby woods and left her in a ditch. The family later recovered her remains.
The affidavit claims De La Cruz killed the dog “maliciously” and “out of spite,” motivated by a desire to get revenge on his ex-girlfriend’s family.
De La Cruz was arrested last week and charged with one felony count of cruelty to animals. He made his first court appearance on July 11 and was assigned a court-appointed attorney, WRAL reported.
His next appearance is scheduled for July 29.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
