Man faces murder allegation in Battle Ground boy’s death
A Battle Ground man suspected of killing his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son Monday night allegedly beat and stabbed the boy to death after the child started crying over a movie that he didn’t want to watch, according to court records.
The boy, identified in court records as Jose Castillo-Cisneros, but who went by Pepe, later died of his injuries at an area hospital. Police arrested Ricardo Gutierrez at the scene.
Later, the dead boy's family said there were unaware the suspect had a history of violence.
The death penalty might not be an option in this case, officials said.
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Fire heavily damages Hazel Dell church
A three-alarm blaze heavily damaged a Hazel Dell church early Wednesday morning. Crews from Clark County Fire District 6 were called to a fire alarm at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1220 N.E. 68th St., about 3 a.m., according to agency spokesman Dave Schmitke. The congregation said it would remain strong in the face of this tragedy. The next day, a fire struck a Salmon Creek-area church, triggering its sprinkler system, which put out the blaze but caused extensive water damage. Arson is suspected in both blazes.Man in court after allegedly dragging dog behind truck
A Vancouver man suspected of dragging his dog behind his pickup, killing the animal, made a first appearance Thursday in Clark County Superior Court.
David Kadow, 52, appeared on suspicion of first-degree animal cruelty in connection with the Sunday incident.
Kadow’s wife, Wendi, attended the hearing and said afterward that her husband would never intentionally hurt their dog, Hailey, a 10-year-old pit bull.
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