By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- Cass County Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr. reports his office is investigating an arson in which Jason A. Yeomans, 30, was arrested for killing a horse and shooting his dog. Yeomans has been charged and arraigned on charges of arson, two counts of animal cruelty and two counts of felony firearm. His bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety. He was lodged in the county jail.
Sheriff deputies responded at 12:39 a.m. July 14 to 57803 O'Keefe St., LaGrange Township, Cassopolis.
They discovered Yeomans, later determined to be the owner of the home, outside of the residence. Upon further investigation, it appeared the subject's clothing smelled of accelerants and was covered in what appeared to be blood.
Deputies also discovered the suspect's dog and horse had been shot. The horse was found dead, while the dog later had to be euthanized by Animal Control officials due to the extent of injuries.
Deputies gathered evidence from the scene that implicated the owner of the residence as the perpetrator of these crimes. The incident appears to have stemmed from a domestic-type situation. His wife was not present at the time of the incident.
The incident, including a motive, remained under investigation.
Michigan State Police fire investigators, as well as officers from Cass County Animal Control, are assisting in this investigation, the sheriff said. Responding to the fire were Cassopolis and Penn Township fire departments, as well as Cassopolis Area Ambulance Service.