Watch CBS News

Newark Woman Admits To Killing Dog Over Parking Space

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New Jersey woman admitted Tuesday to throwing her neighbor's small dog into traffic, and to its death, during an argument over a parking space.

The Star-Ledger of Newark reported that Haniyyah Barnes, 27, of Newark, pleaded guilty Tuesday to breaking into her neighbor's home, grabbing the 2-year-old Shih Tzu named Honey Bey and throwing the dog into oncoming traffic in August 2011, where she was struck by a vehicle and killed.

One of Barnes' neighbors, Andrea, said back in 2012 that she couldn't believe what happened.

"That's mad, that ain't angry. That's a mad woman. How could you go kick down your neighbors door over parking space when...and you don't even own the streets? It's psychological, to do something like that -- it sounds crazy," she told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck.

Barnes pleaded guilty to burglary, animal cruelty and theft charges and Essex County prosecutors will recommend that she receive a six-year state prison term when she's sentenced July 14. Barnes also would have to pay up to $2,600 in restitution and would be barred from owning, buying or living with animals for 10 years.

Barnes also will have to participate in anger management and drug and alcohol counseling.

A Newark police officer who was sitting in a patrol vehicle saw what happened and immediately arrested Barnes, who acknowledged in court that the neighbor had followed her outside, begging her to stop and not hurt the dog.

``It was a horrific crime and I think the punishment reflects that,'' Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller told the newspaper after the hearing. ``She broke into someone's home and killed their dog and they watched it happen. Not too many things are more disturbing than that.''

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.