The Honorable Michael Grasko
Wyandotte County Courthouse
Division 14
710 North 7th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101


Dear Judge Grasko,

This letter is in reference to the waiver hearing for Jose Gutierrez, tentatively scheduled to take place in your courtroom in April, 1998. Jose Gutierrez, is a juvenile who has been charged with animal abuse and felony arson in the burning, beating and ultimate death of Scruffy, a tiny Yorkshire terrier and cherished family pet, belonging to the Whitmire family of Kansas City.

The defendant has been accused of unlawfully taking Scruffy from his rightful owners, and wantonly and viciously torturing him until his death, while recording these despicable acts on videotape. I am outraged and sickened by the senselessness and extreme cruelty of this crime, and wish to express to you my hopes that you will not dismiss either of the charges brought against him by the district attorney's office.

Our judicial system and law enforcement officials must recognize that individuals who perpetrate such brutal and senseless acts of cruelty against defenseless animals are exhibiting deviant and criminal behavior; animal abuse must not be considered a mere prank, but rather a signal of future deviant criminal acts.

Cruelty to animals, child abuse, and domestic violence are proven, interrelated crimes. They are symptomatic of disturbed individuals, dysfunctional families, and predictors of repetitive violence that often escalate in their range and severity.

In many of our cities special agents have been trained to recognize these symptoms when investigating animal cruelty reports. If children are present in homes where animal abuse crimes occur, these agents are required to report their findings to other agencies that will then assess the family situation for any suspicion of child or spousal abuse.

People are at risk when animal abusers are not held accountable and punished sufficiently for their crimes.

It is my sincerest hope that you will acknowledge these indicators of potential future violent and anti-social misconduct, and bring Jose Gutierrez to trial on both animal cruelty and arson charges. I would also request that he be tried as an adult in this case, and be held responsible for his horrific actions if he is found guilty.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.


Sincerely,