March 16th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
On March 12th, 2024, the Allegany County Sheriffs Office was contacted by Allegany County Animal Control in reference to an animal cruelty complaint. After being presented with photographs depicting what appeared to be the charred remains of the domestic dogs an investigation was undertaken. On March 15th, 2024 pursuant to the investigation a search and seizure warrant was executed in the 13000 blk of Tulip Street, Cumberland, MD. During a search of a wooded area on the property investigators recovered seven (7) charred remains of various dog breeds in what appeared to be a burn pile. In addition, the skeletal remains of numerous other dogs were located throughout the property grounds. A K9 team with Office of the State Fire Marshal was deployed and did indicate the use of some type of accelerant.
The remains of the seven recovered dogs will be provided to the Human Society of the United States to determine the cause of death. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation by the Maryland State Police Barrack “C”, C3I, Office of the State Fire Marshall, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Allegany County.
The search warrant was executed by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Special Operations Response Team ( S.O.R.T Sheriff/Cumberland City Police), and Washington County Special Response Team ( WCSRT Washington County Sheriff/ Hagerstown City Police). Maryland State Police Aviation Trooper 5 also assisted at the scene. This matter remains under investigation and further charges are expected.
Charged via arrest warrant were:
Paul Thomas Baylor III, 19 years of age
Justin Uzonna Anabaraonye, 18 years of age
Charges: Four counts of Animal Cruelty
Charges: Six counts of Animal Cruelty
One count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty
Both parties were remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center pending bond review.
