One pit bull from triple murder site put down

    The majority of the pit bulls that were rescued this week from a dogfighting facility and scene of a triple homicide in Oneida County are recovering from their injuries, Idaho Humane Society officials said Wednesday.

    Jeff Rosenthal, a veterinarian and CEO of the Idaho Humane Society, said they are treating 63 pit bulls at their facilities in Boise.

    Although they rescued 64 dogs on Monday, one had to be euthanized because it was experiencing seizures continuously, he said.

    “Most of them were poorly fed and had a lot of scars and lacerations,” Rosenthal said. “Some others had minor medical issues, but it’s mostly wounds and malnutrition.”

    The dogs were kept at a ranch in Holbrook — the site of a triple homicide that Oneida County Sheriff’s officials have said likely took place last week between Thursday afternoon and Friday. The bodies of Brent L. Christensen, 62, and his son Trent Jon Christensen, 32, and the son’s girlfriend, Yavette Chivon Carter, 27, were all discovered at the ranch home on Friday. Carter’s 2-year-old and 2-month-old daughters were also found at the scene, but they weren’t injured.

    While investigating the homicides, Oneida County Sheriff’s officials discovered roughly $100,000 worth of marijuana plants in the basement of the home, and what they believed to be a dogfighting operation. They found a dead pit bull in the freezer, and say the carcass was likely being fed to the dogs on the property as part of their training.

    “This was a horrible case of animal abuse,” Rosenthal said Wednesday. “We’re glad we’re on our way to ending this at least.”

    He believes that most of the dogs will recover, but their future is still unsure. Rosenthal said they are bringing in some experts early next week to examine the dogs and determine if they can safely be adopted out in the future.

    “(The experts will help us) get a picture of each dog’s temperament and personality,” he said.

    All of the pit bulls seem to be affectionate around people, but Rosenthal said dogs that have been trained to fight might continue to do so when it comes to other animals.

    “They’re incredibly affectionate to any person,” he said, “but they could be very dangerous to other dogs. That’s the dilemma we have to work out.”

    Rosenthal said they will decide what to do with the animals after they meet with the experts. Some of the dogs may have to be euthanized if they can’t be adopted out, but there are also shelters willing to help with behavioral issues. Unfortunately, they’re pretty crowded right now.

    “There has been an incredible amount of (dog fighting) seizures around the country over the last 12 months,” Rosenthal said, adding that law enforcement officials are cracking down on the crimes.

    That’s good, he said, but it may also make it difficult to send the dogs to specialized shelters as a result.

    Although people have expressed interest in adopting the animals or volunteering time at the shelter, Rosenthal said they’re declining those offers until they have more information. Right now, the best way for people to help is to donate funds for the animals’ care. Those interested can visit www.idahohumanesociety.org for more details.

    Oneida County Sheriff’s officials did not release any new information in the triple homicide investigation on Wednesday, but did say earlier this week that they do have some possible suspects in the case thanks to “calls from witnesses with various observations.”

    In the meantime, the murder victims’ families are trying to recover from their loss.

    The family of Yavette Chivon Carter released a statement to the media on Wednesday.

    “As a family we are overwhelmed with outpouring of concern and generosity following the murder of our daughter and sister, Yavette Carter, in the triple homicide that occurred last weekend,” family spokesperson James Davis said in the statement given to KPVI TV.

    He also said that they are planning to help her children celebrate the life of their mother, who died protecting them. The 2-month-old was still in her deceased mother’s arms when authorities arrived on scene.

    Family members are currently caring for Carter’s two young daughters.

    Those wishing to help the children can donate money for their care to the Yavette Carter Children’s Fund at Zions Bank. For more information, visit yavettecarterchildrensfund.com.

    A dinner and raffle benefitting the children will also take place at Mountain View Middle School in Blackfoot at 5 p.m. on April 18. For more information about that event, visit the Yavette Carter Children’s Fund on Facebook.