Lake County Man Accused of Beating Dogs to Death with Hammers Lands in Jail

Three graves in the back yard of a Waukegan home led police to a man who’s now behind bars, accused of beating two dogs to death — using a bat, a claw hammer and a sledgehammer — and suffocating a third with a plastic bag.

Juan Rositas, 49, of the 100 block of Fulton Street, was arrested on three felony counts of animal torture and aggravated cruelty to animals, the Chicago Tribune is reporting. He also faces misdemeanor charges of domestic battery and had a warrant for charges of aggravated assault and use of a deadly weapon.

“This is truly a disturbing situation, and we will prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law,” Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim said.

The dogs endured several beatings before dying, according to authorities. The police investigation began when the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office contacted Waukegan Animal Control. The crimes are believed to have taken place between Thanksgiving and January 1.

“Waukegan police Lt. Edward Fitzgerald said one dog was beaten to death with a claw hammer and another was beaten and then had a plastic bag placed over its head until it stopped breathing,” the Tribune reported.

The third dog was killed with a sledgehammer, Fitzgerald said.

Rositas, who appeared in court Wednesday, is being held on $750,000 bail. He must undergo a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation in order to be released.

A woman who identified herself as his daughter cried when the charges against Rositas were read aloud in court, reports the Daily Herald.

Each of the felony charges carry a five to seven-year sentence. He’s due back in a Lake County courtroom on May 8.