TOWANDA, Penn. (January 10, 2023) — In Defense of Animals applauds the conviction of Kevin Jara-Sanchez who brutalized his girlfriend and killed her dog in the process. He was charged with criminal attempted homicide, felony sexual assault, four counts of aggravated assault, felony strangulation, felony possession of a firearm, and felony animal cruelty.

On January 5, he was sentenced to serve consecutive sentences for all charges that culminate in a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of 57 years incarceration in a state correctional facility, with credit for 327 days for his protection from abuse order charge based on his incarceration from February 12 to the sentencing date.

In Defense of Animals sent a letter to DA Albert C. Ondrey with more than 16,000 signatures supporting the prosecution and maximum sentencing in this case.

On February 8, 2022, Jara-Sanchez shot at his girlfriend multiple times, missing her but killing her dog. Having unloaded his gun, Jara-Sanchez resorted to physical violence. He threw a knife, missing her. In a rage, he threw her to the floor, held his gun to her head, began beating her with the butt of his revolver, then attacked her with a rolling pin, his fists, feet, and elbows. His rage culminated with him strangling heruntil she went limp as he raped her. It was Feb. 9 when she awoke and begged to go to the hospital. She promised to say that her injuries were caused by an accident..

Jara-Sanchez’s victim recounted her horror to the Pennsylvania State Police at the Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre on February 11, 2022. Officers were called by the hospital, which had been alerted by her mother. 

Jara-Sanchez’s girlfriend sustained eight broken ribs, a collapsed lung, internal bleeding, a broken wrist, and bruises from head to toe, and required a blood transfusion. 

A search warrant uncovered evidence of multiple bullet holes throughout the house and the knife’s damage. The gun and the knife had markings on their handles matching Jara-Sanchez’s tattoos. Jara-Sanchez had a previous conviction of aggravated assault and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. The charred remains of his victim’s beloved dog were found in a wood-burning stove in the backyard.

“Victims of domestic violence live with the trauma they are subjected to. And, when their child, animal companion, or another family member or friend has also been subjected to the violence, no justice frees them of the haunting memories, night terrors, and the impact such brutality has on nearly every aspect of their lives. Justice gives some satisfaction, but justice has to be structured to prevent such violent people from harming again,” said In Defense of Animals’ Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley, who has herself overcome the trauma of domestic violence.  

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 37-year history of protecting animals’ rights, welfare, and habitats through education, campaigns, and hands-on rescue facilities in India and rural Mississippi.

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of protecting animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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