Albuquerque Man With Violent Past Accused of Killing Two Dogs After Family Dispute
An Albuquerque man with a troubling history of violence is once again facing charges—this time for allegedly killing two dogs during a heated argument with his girlfriend’s family.
According to reports, on August 25, 2025, 31-year-old Justin Leverette erupted during a dispute outside his girlfriend’s home. In a fit of rage, witnesses say Leverette grabbed Cinderella, a dog belonging to his girlfriend’s brother, by the neck and shot her. As if that weren’t horrifying enough, while fleeing the scene in his car, Leverette reportedly ran over his own dog.
Witnesses said Leverette then stopped just a few houses away, leaned out his car window, and fired eight rounds back toward the family. Thankfully, no people were hit—but both dogs suffered fatal injuries.
A Troubling Pattern of Violence
For animal advocates and community members alike, this case is more than an isolated tragedy. Leverette’s violent past has already raised red flags.
Court records reveal that just four years ago, he was convicted of shooting at someone from his car outside a Siegel Select Extended Living motel in Albuquerque. He served five years in prison and two years on parole—a parole he violated in 2024.
In fact, police say Leverette has faced multiple accusations of violence over the last decade, including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and other shooting-related incidents. Despite this track record, he remained free—and now, two innocent dogs are dead.
“This man has clearly shown he poses a danger not just to animals, but to people,” one advocate said. “Animal abuse and human violence are deeply connected. Without intervention, it’s only a matter of time before more lives are at risk.”
Why Mental Health Services Are Critical
While Leverette is now facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, extreme animal cruelty, felon in possession of a firearm, and shooting from a vehicle, many believe jail time alone will not address the root problem.
“This is a clear case where mandatory, intensive psychiatric treatment is necessary,” said one petition organizer. “Prison didn’t stop him from repeating violent acts. Without addressing the underlying mental health issues fueling his behavior, this cycle of cruelty will continue.”
Experts agree: unchecked animal cruelty is a strong predictor of future violence against humans. By mandating psychological counseling alongside sentencing, courts can protect both animals and the community at large.
A Call for Justice
For Cinderella and the unnamed second dog, justice must mean more than another short prison term. This case has reignited conversations in New Mexico about how seriously animal cruelty is taken—and whether enough is being done to prevent repeat offenders from causing further harm.
Leverette’s detention hearing is scheduled soon, where prosecutors will argue to keep him behind bars until trial. Advocates, meanwhile, are pressing for a broader outcome: long-term protections for animals and people alike.
“This case should be a wake-up call,” said another advocate. “How many more red flags do we need before we intervene properly?”
The community now has the chance to speak up, not only for the dogs who lost their lives but for future victims who could be spared.
Why This Case Matters
Cinderella’s death, along with the senseless killing of Leverette’s own dog, highlights the urgency of reform. These animals suffered because someone’s rage went unchecked, despite years of warning signs.
But their story doesn’t have to end here. By demanding accountability and treatment, the public can send a clear message: violence toward animals is violence, period—and it cannot be tolerated.
For the safety of animals, families, and communities across New Mexico and beyond, now is the time to act.
To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:
- Two Family Dogs Were Shot With Arrows on a Hunting Trip. Now, the Public Demands Justice
- Caught on CCTV: Dog Killed in Apartment Lift in Bengaluru — Outrage Grows for Goofy
- Beagles Trapped for Research: Wisconsin Facility Closing, But Fate of 2,500 Dogs Still at Stake
- Two Women Arrested for Setting Dog on Fire — Public Demands Justice and Lifetime Animal Ownership Bans
- Chihuahua Found with Eyes and Private Parts Glued Shut in Horrific Los Angeles Abuse Case
