Independence Township man, Joseph Mauti, charged in death of wife, dog

MICHIGAN -- An Independence Township man was charged with homicide and animal cruelty on Monday, after his wife and dog were found beaten to death in their home.

Joseph Mauti, 32, was also held without bond, said Sgt. Dale Brown with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. He is due back in court on June 10 at 8:30 a.m.

Mauti was arrested after authorities searched the family home in the 6000 block of Cheshire Park Drive. The search began after Joseph's wife, Lindsey Mauti, 30, did not show up for work. When authorities arrived they found blood spattered on a door.

Inside they found Joseph Mauti with two children, ages 2 and 6, all unharmed. But on the floor of the garage, they also found Lindsey Mauti, who was dead from blunt force trauma. They also found the family's dog, who appeared to have been beaten to death as well.

While arresting Joseph Mauti, deputies also took two baseball bats which may have been used as weapons.

Authorities have said that Mauti was convicted of domestic violence in 2014.

(Detroit Free Press - June 1, 2015)