A 19-year-old man in North Carolina has been arrested after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend’s dog in an act of revenge following a breakup. Marco Antonio-Manuel De La Cruz is facing felony animal cruelty charges after the brutal killing of the dog named “Luna.”
Authorities say De La Cruz shot the dog multiple times out of spite and anger, in what they described as a malicious act of “execution.”
The Incident and Investigation
According to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred on June 26, when De La Cruz went to his ex-girlfriend’s home in Cameron, North Carolina, to collect his belongings following their breakup. A witness at the scene reported that De La Cruz appeared upset and angry as he was picking up his possessions.
The witness also told investigators that they had let Luna, the family dog, out to relieve itself when De La Cruz allegedly picked the dog up and took it to the side of the yard.
At that point, De La Cruz is said to have shot Luna several times with a semi-automatic handgun, pressing the barrel against the dog’s rib cage and firing approximately four shots at close range. Investigators described this act as “executing” the dog, which was done without any provocation from the animal.
Prior to the shooting, the witness reported hearing De La Cruz say, “I am tired of this s—” before firing the shots.
Aftermath and Arrest
After killing Luna, De La Cruz reportedly picked up the dog’s body and discarded it in a ditch in the woods nearby. It wasn’t until later that De La Cruz’s ex-girlfriend discovered her pet dead. Investigators say the shooting was an act of revenge, intended to hurt the family due to the breakup with his girlfriend.
De La Cruz was arrested on July 10, 2025, and charged with felony cruelty to animals. He was held on a $50,000 bond and was released on July 15 after posting bail. His actions have sparked outrage, as the case highlights the severity of crimes committed against animals in retaliation or as a means of inflicting harm on others.
Charges and Legal Process
De La Cruz is facing one count of felony cruelty to animals in connection with the incident. His release from jail has led to further concerns about the treatment of animals in similar situations, as many see this case as a reflection of how interpersonal conflicts can sometimes lead to cruel and violent acts against pets.
