Surveillance Footage and Allegations
Social Media Fallout and Legal Proceedings
According to True Crime News, in Morganton, North Carolina a disturbing incident has led to the arrest of landlord Dustin McCormack who faces serious charges of breaking into his tenants’ home and fatally harming their cat. The ordeal began with reports to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office on July 15 citing breaking alongside accusations of animal cruelty. Harmony Chizem and Preston Finley the tenants were away on vacation when they discovered surveillance footage implicating McCormack in the disturbing act.
McCormack who reportedly enforces a no-pet policy in his rental properties allegedly kicked and fatally shot the cat inside the residence. The incident garnered additional attention when McCormack appeared in a live Facebook video where he seemed to allude to the event. Subsequently he posted about the tenants on social media sharing photos of them and their home further escalating the situation.
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Legal and Personal Fallout for Landlord McCormack
The landlord who also operates a construction business and manages multiple rental properties claimed he had only intended to scare the cat away when he encountered it while retrieving his belongings from the residence. Despite his explanation, law enforcement issued warrants for McCormack’s arrest on charges including breaking and entering cruelty to animals and damage to property. Following his surrender McCormack was released on a $20,000 bond pending a court appearance scheduled for August 9. Additionally he faces further legal repercussions related to violations of protective orders cyberstalking allegations, and traffic violations.