Centerville man accused of hanging mother’s dog, blaming estranged wife

GEORGIA -- A Centerville man is accused of hanging his mother’s dog to death and then planting false evidence to blame his estranged wife, police said.

Antonio Robert Aquino, 29, was charged Wednesday with aggravated animal cruelty and false statements and writings, both felonies, said Centerville police Chief Sid Andrews.

Aquino was also charged with tampering with evidence and false report of a crime, both misdemeanors. He was being held at the Houston County jail.

On Oct. 20, Centerville police were summoned by Aquino to the Montrose Lane home he shares with his mother.

He showed police the dead dog, a Dachshund named Dixie, hanging from a vacuum cleaner cord that was wrapped around the door knob of an outdoor utility closet, Andrews said.

Aquino laid the blame on his estranged wife and continued to call investigators throughout the week, including a call in which he claimed he found evidence, Andrews said. Aquino is accused of planting hair he claimed belonged to his estranged wife on a privacy fence. He told police he thought she climbed over the fence and killed the dog.

After ruling out the estranged wife, police began to look at Aquino. He was asked to speak with detectives Wednesday. He first denied his involvement but ultimately confessed, Andrews said.

Aquino said he killed the dog to get back at his estranged wife, Andrews said.

(Macon.com - Oct 29, 2014)