A FedEx driver has been accused of stealing a family's prized pet dog, before it tragically died in the back of his sweltering van.
Court documents obtained by ABC 11 claim that former Kimani Joehon Marshall - who had been working as a FedEx delivery driver - stole a North Carolina family’s French bulldog during his July 3 shift.
Investigators believe Marshall grabbed the family's dog - named Tori - while delivering packages to the neighborhood.
The family claims that 44-year-old Marshall had previously spoken to them about breeding Tori - who they say was worth $5,500 - with one of his own dogs, but that they had always declined his inquiries.
Marshall is accused to snatching Tori out of the family's yard and throwing the dog in the back of his truck while he completed the deliveries on his route.
Tragically, Tori died from what is believed to have been sweltering temperatures. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office believe the pup potentially died from heatstroke or some other heat-related illness.
WRAL reports that temperatures were well into the 90s on the day Tori was taken.
The heartbroken family had attempted to find Tori by posting flyers around the neighborhood and searching a nearby wooded area - but it is believed their beloved pup had already died.
On July 10, officers from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office sadly found Tori dead in the Lillington area.
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After surrendering to police on Monday (July 22) following an arrest warrant, Marshall was charged with larceny of a dog, possession of stolen goods, and cruelty to animals. He was held on a $50,000.
In a statement to the ABC11, FedEx confirmed that Marshall was no longer with the company and paid their respects to Tori's family.
The statement read: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of their beloved pet.
"We understand the importance of people’s pets in their lives and deeply regret the pain that this has caused. The driver is no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx."
Marshall is reportedly due to appear in court this week.
Our thoughts go out to Tori's family at this time.
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