Diamond, therapy dog to an 8-year-old boy, was subjected to a horrible fate. Her abuser and murderer is to be sentenced on April 26. To show solidarity for Diamond, supporters are asked to wear hot pink ribbons.

Criminal sentencing will happen on Tuesday, April 26, in the case of a man who is charged with first-degree animal abuse by Thurston County Joint Animal Services in Washington. This horrific crime was described in the press release from Pasado’s Safe Haven by Pasado’s Safe Haven lead Investigator as “This is probably the most disturbing case that I have seen. The person who would be capable of a crime this heinous is a highly disturbed individual who has very likely harmed other animals and is statistically likely to do something similar to humans – the community is right to be concerned.”

It was later learned the 3-year-old pit bull mix was named Diamond. She was also the therapy dog for an 8-year-old boy who was related to the suspect. Diamond had been staying with the suspect temporarily who had offered to watch the dog while the family looked for permanent housing that would allow for dogs. A release from the Thurston County Joint Animal Services said, “Diamond had been living with the suspect for about four days before he allegedly raped and killed her.”

The arrested suspect, James Leroy Evans, 33, admitted to killing the dog because, according to court documents obtained by The Olympian, she killed his iguana. He was released on $50,000 bail and subject to staying at a court-approved addressed where no animals are present and is to have no contact with either animals or the two court-witnesses in the case.

As an act both in support of Diamond and her family seeing justice, supporters are asked to wear hot pink ribbons on Tuesday, where the maximum sentence is being sought. A Facebook page has been started in Diamond’s name. Additional information can be found on the Pasado’s Safe Haven page, as well.

No animal should ever be subject to this unspeakable act. The fact that she belonged to a little boy who needed her support is a further outrage. This speaks to importance of legislation in these areas and while some counties, states, and even the federal government have made some moves in the right direction, it isn’t enough. We need to stand up for the rights of animals who can’t speak for themselves. We need to do it for all the Diamond’s out there.

“This will forever be a case that is burned into my mind and my heart,” the lead investigator said. “Diamond will never be forgotten, and she will continue to drive me to pursue the monsters who abuse and neglect animals.”