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Man accused of shooting dog, setting garage on fire pleads guilty

Posted at 10:54 AM, Dec 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-13 18:07:10-05

Luke Hill

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to animal cruelty and arson charges.

In September Luke Hill waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

The charges followed a fire that happened on May 12.

Hill was arrested after firefighters responded to the residential fire on Princess Anne Road. When they arrived on scene, they found a dead dog in the burned building.

Investigators said the 7-year-old pit bull was shot twice before the fire was set. They also claimed the dog was alive when the fire was set.

Wednesday, the defense said during the time of the incident Hill was going through a rough time after he learned his father died.

"His father was very, very close to him and that had a significant impact upon him. It started a downward spiral that culminated in these particular events," says James Broccoletti.

Hill was granted a $5,000 bond Wednesday and his sentencing is scheduled for March 6.

Related:

Virginia Beach man charged after dead dog found in burning garage