Today, Ricky Eugene Richey, 56, was convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Aggravated Assault, and Improper Exhibition of a Firearm following a two day trial in Lee County.
In October 2016 Richey and his cousin were in the yard of Richey’s North Fort Myers home drinking when their two dogs began to fight. The men were able to separate the dogs to stop them from fighting. Richey then went into his home, came back outside with a revolver and shot his cousin’s dog, “Bodee”, a Pitbull mix, once in the back. He then pointed the gun at his cousin who ran away and called 911.
The cousin’s girlfriend was sleeping in a barn behind the home when she heard the gunshot. She got up and went into the house where she saw their bleeding dog who had walked inside after being shot. She held him, trying to comfort him. Richey then entered the room and dragged her outside with the gun pointed at her head. Once outside, she was able to grab the gun from him and run down the street where she met deputies that were arriving.
The dog survived the shooting. Richey faces up to 21 years in prison at his sentencing on April 3rd.
Assistant State Attorney Leena Marcos prosecuted the case.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org