Day 1 of Comins’ Animal Cruely Trial

By Voorhees

Today marks the first day of the criminal trial against Christopher Comins, or “Inmate #08056483″–as he is known to the Orlando criminal justice system.  Comins was charged with two counts of felony animal cruelty after repeatedly shooting two pet Siberian huskies, Hoochie and Riley, in a field in Orange County, Florida.

Initially my interest in this trial was rather basic and general: the video footage of Comins brutally attacking someone’s family pets was deeply disturbing to me, and I therefore desired to see him punished for his crimes.  But the case took on a whole new meaning last month when the shooter sued me for writing truthful blog entries about his crimes.

If anyone attended the trial today and has updates, please post them in the comments section.  I’m sure others are curious as well.  In the meantime, the only other way I know of to keep track of new developments in the trial is to visit the website, MyOrangeClerk.com.  Navigate to Case No. 08-CF-0017830-O by typing the Defendant’s name in the box.  Be sure to select “Criminal” cases, as Christopher M. Comins has also been involved in a number of Civil cases over the years.

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5 Responses to “Day 1 of Comins’ Animal Cruely Trial”

  1. Debbie Says:

    This is what I found at the site you listed above and under criminal files he has 2 now , this being the most recent!

    Case Summary
    Case Number: 08-CF-0017830-O Filing Date: 11/24/2008
    Case Type: Criminal
    Case Status: NOTICE OF HEARING
    Status Date: 5/13/2009
    Current Judge: LEBLANC, BOB

    Party Details Charge Details Case Calendar Case Actions Financial Details Sentencing

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    Subject ID Full Name Party Type Status Summons/ Arrest Date Inmate # Agency Case #
    A MAURY L CARTER CASH DEPOSITOR
    A CHRISTOPHER M COMINS DEFENDANT NOTICE OF HEARING 11/27/2008 08056483 080117387
    A CHANDLER ROBINSON MULLER ATTORNEY
    A TODD VONGRAFF OFFICER

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    Count # Defendant Offense Date Summons/ Arrest Date
    001 CHRISTOPHER M COMINS 05/19/2008 11/27/2008 Detail
    002 CHRISTOPHER M COMINS 05/19/2008 11/27/2008 Detail

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    Name: CHRISTOPHER M COMINS Count #: 001
    Date Imposed: Effective Date:
    Status:
    Click Here For Details
    Name: CHRISTOPHER M COMINS Count #: 002
    Date Imposed: Effective Date:
    Status:
    Click Here For Details

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    Event Date Event Time Description Location
    8/27/2009 0830 MANUAL – HEARING ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    6/26/2009 0830 MANUAL – HEARING ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    5/13/2009 0830 MANUAL – HEARING ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    5/8/2009 0830 MANUAL – HEARING ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    4/3/2009 0830 MANUAL – HEARING ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    3/16/2009 0830 MANUAL – TRIAL ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    3/3/2009 0900 MANUAL – PRETRIAL CONFERENCE ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR
    12/16/2008 0830 ARRAIGNMENT ROOM 7-D ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR

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    Docket Date Defendant Docket Entry
    11/24/2008 A INFORMATION FILED
    11/24/2008 A ORDER FINDING PROBABLE CAUSE FILED
    11/24/2008 A STATE ATTORNEY NUMBER 48-2008-NF-003003
    11/25/2008 A CAPIAS ISSUED RET: INST BOND:$3,000.
    11/27/2008 A ARREST AFFIDAVIT FILED – DOA / BOND CT1)$1500, CT2)$1500 / INMATE NUMBER 08056483
    11/27/2008 A CT1)CASH BOND FILED RET TBN $1500 #8133250797 INMATE NUMBER 08056483 DEPOSITOR: CARTER, MAURY L
    11/27/2008 A CT2)CASH BOND FILED RET TBN $1500 #8233250800 INMATE NUMBER 08056483 DEPOSITOR: CARTER, MAURY L
    12/1/2008 A CAPIAS RETURNED EXECUTED
    12/1/2008 A DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
    12/1/2008 A NOTICE OF APPEARANCE FILED KIRK N KIRKCONNELL
    12/1/2008 A NOTICE OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE IN DISCOVERY
    12/1/2008 A NOTICE OF ARRAIGNMENT ISSUED 08:30 A.M.
    12/1/2008 A REQUEST FOR LIST OF PROSPECTIVE JURORS
    12/1/2008 A WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT
    12/1/2008 A WRITTEN PLEA OF NOT GUILTY ENTERED
    12/9/2008 A WAIVER DEFT’S ATTENDANCE AT PRETRIAL CONF
    12/12/2008 A NOTICE RETURNED UNSERVED FILED
    12/16/2008 A ATTORNEY PRESENT PUBLIC DEFENDER
    12/16/2008 A COURT MINUTES FILED
    12/16/2008 A DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT
    12/16/2008 A NOTICE FOR PRETRIAL RET: 09:00 A.M.
    12/16/2008 A NOTICE OF TRIAL RTN: 08:30 A.M.
    12/16/2008 A IN OPEN COURT WRITTEN PLEA OF NOT GUILTY
    12/16/2008 A PUBLIC DEFENDER PREVIOUSLY APPOINTED
    12/16/2008 A WRITTEN PLEA OF NOT GUILTY ENTERED
    12/29/2008 A NOTICE RETURNED UNSERVED FILED
    1/27/2009 A CONSENT FILED FOR SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
    1/27/2009 A JOINT STIPULATION FOR SUBST. OF COUNSEL FILED
    1/29/2009 A ORDER FOR SUBS. OF COUNSEL FILED GRANTED (ATTY CHANDLER R MULLER)
    2/5/2009 A NOTICE OF APPEARANCE FILED CHANDLER R MULLER
    2/5/2009 A SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE OF DEFT’S INTENT TO PARTICIPATE IN DISCOVERY
    2/5/2009 A REQUEST FOR TRIAL
    2/5/2009 A WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT
    2/5/2009 A WRITTEN PLEA OF NOT GUILTY ENTERED
    2/10/2009 A UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR ORDER DIRECTING CLERK OF COURT TO ISSUE SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM FOR DEPOSITION
    2/10/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    2/13/2009 A STATE’S WITNESS LIST FILED
    2/17/2009 A ORDER RE: DUCES TECUM GRANTED
    2/25/2009 A MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE FILED
    2/26/2009 A NOTICE OF HEARING FILED 08:30 A.M.
    2/26/2009 A ORDER ON DEFENSES MOTION TO CONTINUE GRANTED
    2/26/2009 A OTHER THE NON-MOVING PARTY
    3/5/2009 A NOTICE OF PROVISION OF SUPPLEMENTAL DISCOVERY
    3/5/2009 A SUPPLEMENTAL STATE WITNESS LIST FILED
    3/5/2009 A SUPPLEMENTAL STATE WITNESS LIST FILED
    3/12/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    3/17/2009 A UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM FILED
    3/17/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED (D
    3/19/2009 A NOTICE TAKING VIDEO DEPO FILED
    3/19/2009 A NOTICE TAKING VIDEO DEPO FILED
    3/19/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    3/19/2009 A ORDER ON DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR ORDER DIRECTING CLERK OF COURT TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS DUCES TECUM FOR DEPOSITIONS GRANTED
    3/24/2009 A AMENDED NOTICE TAKING VIDEO DEPO FILED
    3/24/2009 A AMENDED NOTICE TAKING VIDEO DEPO FILED
    3/31/2009 A CONSTITUTIONAL MOTION TO DISMISS FILED (ON BASIS THAT FLA. STAT. S. 828.12(2) IS UNCONSTITUTIONALLY VAGUE AS APPLIED)
    4/9/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    4/16/2009 A CONSTITUTIONAL MOTION TO DISMISS FILED
    4/17/2009 A NOTICE OF HEARING FILED 08:30 A.M.
    4/30/2009 A MOTION FOR SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM FILED
    5/7/2009 A MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT OF MOTION FOR ORDER DIRECTING CLERK OF COURT TO ISSUE A SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM FOR VIDEO DEPOSITION
    5/7/2009 A AMENDED NOTICE TAKING DEPO DUCES TECUM FILED
    5/7/2009 A NOTICE OF HEARING FILED 08:30 A.M.
    5/8/2009 A APPEAR. OF ATTORNEY ENTERED
    5/8/2009 A COURT MINUTES FILED
    5/8/2009 A MOTION FOR ORDER DIRECTING CLERK OF COURT TO ISSUE A SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM FOR VIDEO DEPOSITION/MEMORANDUM OF LAW FILED IN OPEN COURT
    5/8/2009 A IN OPEN COURT(MOTION FOR SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM)
    5/8/2009 A ORDER DEFENSE MOTION FOR SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM – NO ACTION TAKEN
    5/8/2009 A ORDER COURT RESERVED RULING
    5/8/2009 A ORDER STATUS HRG.SCHEDULED FOR 5/13/09 IS HEREBY CANCELLED
    5/8/2009 A WAIVED PRESENCE OF DEFT.
    5/13/2009 A ATTY/PD NOT PRESENT
    5/13/2009 A COURT MINUTES FILED
    5/13/2009 A DEFENDANT NOT PRESENT
    5/13/2009 A IN OPEN COURT HEARING STATUS
    5/13/2009 A ORDER – NO PARTIES APPEARED
    5/15/2009 A DEFENSE WITNESS LIST
    5/15/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    5/15/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    5/21/2009 A MOTION TO DISMISS FILED
    5/29/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    5/29/2009 A NOTICE OF HEARING FILED 08:30 A.M.
    6/18/2009 A NOTICE OF HEARING FILED 08:30 A.M.
    6/24/2009 A DEFENSE WITNESS LIST (SUPPLEMENTED)
    6/25/2009 A CORRESPONDENCE FILED FROM DEFT TO JUDGE
    7/7/2009 A MOTION TO DISMISS PURSUANT TO F.S. 776.032(2009) AND INCORPORATED MEMORANDUM OF LAW FILED
    7/7/2009 A SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE OF HEARING FILED @8:30AM

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    View All Case Financial Details
    Subject Defendant Assessment Payment
    A CHRISTOPHER M COMINS $3,004.00 $3,004.00 Defendant Details

  2. DED Says:

    Here’s an update:

    7/21/2009 A SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT’S CONSTITUTIONAL MOTIONS TO DISMISS
    7/23/2009 A NOTICE TAKING DEPO FILED
    8/24/2009 A RESPONSE UNDER RECIPROCAL DISCOVERY WITH REGARD TO EVIDENCE TO BE INTRODUCED AT TIME OF TRIAL AND HEARING OF AUGUST 27,2009.
    8/26/2009 A DEFENSE WITNESS LIST
    8/26/2009 A STATE MOTION TO CONTINUE
    8/27/2009 A REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS/INVOICE MAILED 09/11/09

  3. lynn Says:

    Comins shot a firearm at two pet dogs that, at times, were not facing him. At least one of the dogs was down and Comins shot the injured dog again.

    The video documents that many of the shots were made in front of the owner, Chris Butler, as the he ran toward the shooter yelling out for Comins to stop.

    The people who are defending Comins’ actions seem to me to have no scrupples. I have to think they either being paid or standing up for friend.

    Hopefully, not one of these influential people think it is okay to shoot a firearm in such close proximity of a person who is running toward you!

  4. Hurricane Says:

    It was an interesting last couple days. Three days total. Only the defense has really spoken at this point–as well as having the Prosecution cross examine them. “They’re” saving the best for last–Chris Butler — the owner of the dogs. I relish when he’s at the bench.

    It’s really interesting that Comins seems to have so many high profile friends. Not to forget Mayor Crotty (theyre in the same prayer group so I read so online), as well as a handful of police officers in sep counties seem to have an interest in Comins. The prosecutor JUST briefly touched up on the misdemeanor from 2007 with a child and a gun.. eh hem. And it’s QUITE interesting that the FIRST police officer called to the scene, why, she was OFF DUTY, in her civilian clothes, GROCERY shopping when she was requested by one of Comins’ friends to go out there and access what was going on. Apparently people have forgotten how to call 911. Or Animal Control….

    And it’s interesting that with ALL these CattleMen Association people that have Comins’ back, including the president, from Polk County, you would THINK, that they would all KNOW that wolves do NOT live in Florida. Very interesting. This would seem to be common knowledge across the board. Hmm.. makes you wonder what is going on here…

    Further more, it was brought up on several occassions, that Comins has NEVER hunted an animal, or let alone killed an animal, and he was using the wrong kind of gun to be out there “doing this deed” — he was using a 9mm. NOW, why would his friends call around, and ask Comins to go out there, to kill these “wolves” if infact, he has NO EXPERIENCE with hunting animals? So noble, right? Indeed.

    Its been an interesting last few days. Thanks GOD for the video on youtube. Its sad to think shootings like this every day may go on… and with the good ol’ boy system still in play in many states… no justice may be ever brought forth. Thank you technology, thank you. Its is 2009, afterall. Animals do have rights– let alone someone’s pets, esp when the owner is screaming and running toward the scene of the crime……..

    • Reckless Endangerment Says:

      You bring up a great point about the 9mm. As a hunter, several things jumped out at me right away when I saw this video. Everything about Comins’ approach demonstrates that he is utterly incompetent–from his off-balance stance, to his hasty and anxious movements, not to mention the ridiculous decision to use target rounds on a live animal in the first place, and ESPECIALLY the shots he fired when the dog was between him and the traffic. A legitimate outdoorsman ALWAYS knows what’s behind his target, and will never, EVER point a loaded gun into a crowd… let alone PULL THE TRIGGER. Utter incompetence. The blogger was totally right to point out the extreme danger involved when inexperienced blowhards whip out their guns and try to show off.

      It’s surprising the prosecution hasn’t called a certified expert on gun safety to take the stand as an expert witness. Although then again, if Comins goes down hard it’s not exactly a victory for the 2nd Amendment.

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