Bond denied for man accused of dogs’ deaths

FRANKLIN Co., Va. (WDBJ) - Bond was denied Wednesday morning for the owner of two missing dogs reported stolen and later found dead in Franklin County.

Terry Michel faced a Franklin County judge, who said he denied bond because of red flags including Michel’s alleged behavior and the judge’s opinion that Michel’s conduct is unpredictable.

The decision means Michel will stay in jail until further notice.

Regarding reward money for information regarding this case, the Franklin County Humane Society writes:

Franklin County Humane Society had a reward for the safe return of Colby and Caleb. We had not yet released a reward for the arrest and conviction in Colby and Caleb’s murder. However, we contacted our donors for input in how they would like to proceed with the funds.

We provided a reward to the individual who came forward with information to the sheriffs office, which ultimately helped lead to the arrest of Terry Michel. The remainder of the funds will go to a memorial fund for Colby and Caleb which will support victims of domestic violence.”

Terry E. Michel was arrested and charged February 16 with multiple charges for killing two black labs ---Colby and Caleb.

WDBJ7 obtained court documents, saying the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received his confession during their investigation.

Colby and Caleb were first reported stolen February 7 when Michel said two men lured the dogs into a white car after, he said, they broke away from him while at a park. Deputies say Michel gave different versions of this story.

Franklin County investigators say the dogs were found dead February 14 on Carolina Springs Road. Their bodies were sent to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech for examination. The cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds.

Michel faces two counts of felony animal cruelty, one count of filing a false police report, and two summons for improper disposal of a companion animal. For now, Michel is being held without bond.

Investigators say they have not determined a motive for the deaths.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office also reported the theft and the dog’s deaths had no connection to the park where the owner said they were stolen. Investigators say the dogs were never at the park.

Michel’s next court hearing is scheduled for May.

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