New Jersey Man Charged with Shooting Stepdaughter’s Dog

A man in New Jersey faces serious charges after allegedly shooting his stepdaughter’s French bulldog, Ruby, in the face. This tragic incident occurred in Berkeley Township while the couple was pet-sitting for the dog in October.

Initially, prosecutors stated that Ruby had been attacked, but that narrative has shifted. Now, a movement called Justice for Ruby is urging for clarity and justice in the matter.

The group formed on Facebook shortly after the man’s arrest on November 3. On January 16, prosecutors presented a deal to Jeffrey Lentz, which included pleading guilty to weapons possession and animal cruelty. The proposed sentence consisted of five years in prison, with 42 months before parole, and a lifetime ban on pet ownership. However, Lentz, 56, turned down the offer and is now seeking a Graves Act exemption, which could reduce the minimum sentence associated with firearm charges in New Jersey.

Nicole Guarino, Lentz’s stepdaughter, expressed her disappointment regarding his decision. “I wish he had accepted the offer so it wouldn’t have dragged on,” she shared.

The case is set to move to a grand jury. It all began on October 3, when Nicole and her husband Nick entrusted their puppy to Lentz and his wife.

Nicole described the moment she learned of Ruby’s fate as shocking. “It was the first time I left her there for a sleepover,” she recalled. “I trusted them. What daughter doesn’t trust her parents?” A few hours later, she received distressing news from her mother about the puppy’s death.

Nick relayed the news to Nicole. “I asked you what happened,” Nicole recalled in a YouTube interview, and he mentioned something about a wild animal attacking Ruby.

Puzzled, Nicole reached out to local authorities. When she arrived at her parents’ home with police assistance, she noted that Lentz and his wife reacted defensively. “They put Ruby in a box, gave it to us and closed the door,” she described.

A veterinarian’s examination later revealed that Ruby had been shot in the face, with X-rays confirming a bullet lodged in her jaw. Following this, local police started an extensive investigation.

After Lentz’s arrest, he was taken to Ocean County Jail but was released on November 10. If convicted of the second-degree weapons charge, he could be facing up to 10 years in prison, in addition to charges of third-degree animal cruelty and possession of a high-capacity magazine.

Attempts to reach Lentz or his attorney for comments were unsuccessful.