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Downriver Defendants Charged in Animal Abuse Case

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged David Scott McMurtrie, 42 (DOB: 11/13/1976), Kayli Lynn Sparks - also known as Robinson, 29 (DOB: 02/17/1989), both of River Rouge, and David Squire Bowling, 30 (DOB: 12/30/1998), of Ecorse, in connection with recovery of 17 emaciated and neglected dogs from a truck in Ecorse, MI.

On May 1, 2018 Ecorse police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 4300 block of Sixth Street to investigate complaints about dogs inside a truck. Upon arrival, the officers found 17 emaciated and sick dogs in the back of a rental box truck in separate stacked cages, in filth and extreme heat. The dogs were transported to an animal shelter for care and treatment. It is alleged that at least three of the dogs had been stolen from another rescue shelter. More specific information will be presented in court at the Preliminary Examination.

Defendant McMurtrie is charged with:

  1. Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals;
  2. Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to Four to Ten Animals;
  3. Three counts of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 < $1,000.*
  4. Felon in Possession - Firearm;
  5. Felon in Possession of Ammunition;
  6. Felony Firearm

McMurtrie was arraigned this afternoon in 25th District Court. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 5, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.; the Preliminary Examination is on March 12, 2019, both before hearings Judge Zelenak. McMurtrie has been given a $50,000 cash bond with a GPS tether if released on bond. He is to have no contact with witnesses or animals, and cannot leave the state.

Defendant Sparks is charged with:

  1. Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals;
  2. Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to Four to Ten Animals;
  3. Three counts of Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property - $200 - $1,000.*

Sparks was arraigned this morning in 25th District Court. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 5, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.: the Preliminary Examination is on March 12, 2019 both before Judge Zelenak. Sparks received a $25,000/10% bond with a GPS tether if released on bond. She is to have no contact with witnesses or animals, and cannot leave the state.

Defendant Bowling is charged with:

  1. Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to 10 or More Animals
  2. Animals - Abandoning/Cruelty to Four to Ten Animals.*

Bowling was arraigned this afternoon in 25th District Court. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for March 5, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.; the Preliminary Examination is on March 12, 2019 both before Judge Zelenak. Bowling has been given a $25,000/10% bond with a GPS tether if released on bond. He is to have no contact with witnesses or animals, and cannot leave the state.

Photographs of McMurtrie, Sparks and Bowling are attached.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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