(Photo courtesy of the Mosby Foundation)  6 year old malamute-husky mix Mosby wandered away from the home of Carole and Johnny Adams.  He was found dead at a camping area two days later, he was shot in the face at close range.  Johnny Adams found Mosby at the camp area when he saw his tail hanging out of a plastic bag.

Coleman, age 67 of Deerfield was charged with malicious wounding stemming from the shooting of Mosby.  The misdemeanor charge carries a possible year in jail or a $2,500 fine.

(Photo of Mosby with Governor Mark Warner, May 2003, photo courtesy of the Mosby Foundation) was a sweet dog, nicknamed the Beverley Street mascot and goodwill ambassador.  Over the years, Mosby had become a familiar face among shoppers and shop owners in downtown Staunton, where he often wandered in and out of stores while Carole worked at Collector's Choice and then Silver Linings.  Mosby was also a certified therapy dog and accompanied Carole at local nursing homes.

Virginia legislation adopted in 2002 states that anyone who inflicts cruel acts on a dog or cat who is a pet and causes the animal's death can be charged with a Class 6 felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.  The law was spurred by the shooting death of T-Bone, an English pointer belonging to a Ferrum man.

In September, 2003 a warrant was issued for the arrest of John Adams after Coleman reported being assaulted at the Deerfield Post Office after the two exchanged words.  Adams was released on his own recognizance.  John Adams has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.

In October, 2003 the charges against Coleman were upgraded to a felony charge of shooting a companion dog.

On November 25, 2003 John Adams was in court after Coleman took out a criminal complaint stating that Adams hit Coleman with a fist, knocking him to the floor.  Coleman said Adams continued to beat him while he was on the ground, breaking his glasses and cutting an ear in the process.  Adams is free with the understanding if he stays trouble-free between now and June the case will be tossed.

Coleman was found guilty in February 2004 but spared jail time.  The 67-year-old, a survivor of 2 bypass heart operations and in failing health was fined $1,500.  The jury took nearly 4 hours to reach a verdict - at one point being deadlocked.  At trial, Coleman grabbed a reporters arm and pushed him in the shoulder for taking his picture.  The reporter didn't retaliate.

At trial it was learned that Coleman, a retired machinist, had shot Mosby with a 12-gauge shotgun and disposed of the dog's body 1/4-miles from his home in the George Washington National Forest which is about 5 miles from the dog owners home.  Coleman also killed a skunk who had sprayed his home because of the dogs frightening it.

In March 2004, Coleman, of 3415 Hite Hollow Rd. filed a motion claiming there was insufficient evidence for a conviction and argued that to use force against an animal to protect and defend one's property "is clearly the law of Virginia and the nation at large".

In April 2004, Circuit Judge Thomas H. Wood denied the motion and the conviction and fine was upheld.

Coleman is scheduled to appear in Augusta County General District Court on a misdemeanor assault and battery charge for accosting a News Leader reporter outside the courtroom during his trial.  He faces the possibility of up to a year in jail if convicted.

Because of Coleman's conviction for killing Mosby, he must automatically dispense with his extensive gun collection and can no longer sell guns.

Carole Adams started the Mosby Foundation to assist dogs that are up for adoption and in need of medical treatment, with the ultimate goal of having a no kill shelter.  The Foundations address is PO Box 218, Deerfield, VA   24432

Reference:

The Hook

Daily News Leader

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Daily Press

AR-News

The Mosby Foundation