HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 59-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his wife’s pit bull will face a felony charge when he makes a first appearance in court Friday.
John Oathout was arrested late Saturday night on suspicion of animal cruelty and disorderly conduct. We have learned that the defendant will be charged with what is called an unclassified felony charge, meaning he could see at least some jail time if convicted.
According to police, Oathout was trying to sleep and the dog was continually barking, causing him and his wife to argue. He then put the dog outside, but it still continued to bark as the couple argued about it. He allegedly told his wife that if the dog didn’t stop, he would kill it.
Police said the wife heard a loud yelp from the dog and ran outside to find her husband with a bloody knife. She took the dog to a veterinarian, but the dog didn’t make it.
The initial appearance is scheduled in front of Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen.