Burbank family arrested in cocker spaniel stabbing

Maria Theresa Bodtcher in undated photo

Last Saturday, Charissa Bodtcher, 23, and her brother Timo Bodtcher, 18, were arrested for fatally stabbing their aunt’s dog in Burbank, California. Lt. John Dilibert of the Burbank Police Department described the scene as “pretty horrific.” Prince, the cocker spaniel, had been stabbed “numerous” times dying from his wounds. The siblings’ mother, Maria Theresa Bodtcher, 47, was also arrested after disposing the 8-inch knife in a nearby dumpster.

Prince reportedly nipped Charissa Bodtcher who came over to do her laundry. “It appears that when she’s come over the dog has tried to nip at her heels and has barked at her” said officer Dilibert. The three family members are being held on a $20,000 bond each as they face animal cruelty and conspiracy charges.