The Queens County Supreme Court has dismissed all felony animal-cruelty charges against Brandon Pearce, a former New York City Department of Correction officer, following the emergence of new evidence that contradicted the initial allegations. The case, which dates back to 2022, involved the death of Pearce's ex-girlfriend's 12-year-old Maltese, Princess, and had garnered significant media attention.
Key to the dismissal were witness statements, veterinary records, and an expert affidavit that collectively undermined the prosecution's case. Omar Velasquez, a former partner of the complainant, provided a sworn statement indicating that surveillance footage showed someone other than Pearce was responsible for the dog's injuries. Additionally, veterinary records from V.E.T.S. New Hyde Park showed inconsistencies, with notes of trauma only appearing after detectives' follow-up, casting doubt on the medical findings.
Surveillance expert John Layne's affidavit further bolstered Pearce's defense, revealing that the building's cameras were operational and recorded continuously, contrary to claims they were motion-activated. Despite this, approximately four and a half hours of footage from the critical time frame were inexplicably missing.
The case's resolution highlights the importance of thorough evidence review in legal proceedings, especially in cases that attract public and media scrutiny. Pearce, who maintained his innocence throughout, expressed relief at the dismissal, stating it allowed him to move forward with his life. The outcome serves as a reminder of the legal system's capacity to correct initial misjudgments based on evolving evidence.
