A 29-year-old Lancaster resident who ran over a poodle then gunned down the dog's owner, who had asked the assailant to cover the animal's medical costs, is facing 50 years to life in prison when he is sentenced next month for first-degree murder.
Demonte Antone Thomas was convicted of murder Thursday, and his sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 14 in Lancaster.
According to prosecutors and sheriff's officials, Thomas ran over a poodle in a parking lot in the 600 block of East Avenue H-14 on June 26, 2015.
The dog's owner, Michael Davis, 22, chased down Thomas and demanded that he help pay for the dog's veterinary expenses, but Thomas drove away, authorities said.
Later that night, Thomas went to Davis' home with five to seven other men, and fatally shot the dog owner, who had a son and a pregnant girlfriend, officials said.
The dog died from its injuries.
