State v. Abdi-Issa
Washington Supreme Court
504 P.3d 223 (2022)
- Written by Jamie Milne, JD
Facts
Seattle resident Julie Fairbanks dated Charmarke Abdi-Issa (defendant). Abdi-Issa was abusive toward Fairbanks and her small dog, Mona, sometimes threatening to kill them both. One evening, Abdi-Issa insisted that Fairbanks allow him to take Mona for a walk. Shortly thereafter, Abdi-Issa called Fairbanks to say that Mona had escaped from her harness and was lost. However, Fairbanks could hear Mona yelping over the phone. Two pedestrians came across Abdi-Issa and saw him beating and kicking Mona, eventually sending her flying into nearby bushes. When confronted, Abdi-Issa initially threatened the pedestrians but then walked away. One of the pedestrians called the police. The officers found Mona and rushed her to the vet, but she died from her injuries. Abdi-Assi was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. Also, at the state’s request, the trial court designated the offense as a domestic-violence offense, which allowed the court to issue an order prohibiting Abdi-Issa from contacting Fairbanks. The court of appeals upheld the conviction but vacated the domestic-violence designation and the associated no-contact order, concluding that animal cruelty was not eligible for designation as a domestic-violence offense. The state appealed to the Washington Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (González, C.J.)
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