Man who set Soledad dog on fire in court

UPDATE: 5/3/2018 4:06 p.m. The man who allegedly set a dog on fire in Soledad was in court Thursday for his preliminary hearing. The news of what happened to a two year old dog sparked outrage on social media.

About a dozen animal lovers wearing t-shirts reading “justice for Kato” came to see how the suspect would plea. Those people will have to wait a few more weeks.

“We’re going to set this for a receded report and setting a competency hearing. We’re looking at May 17th at 8:30,” said judge Mark Hood.

A continuation was announced in the case against Devonte Marquis Sirwet. A hearing will be held on May 17 to determine if Sirwet is mentally competent. He’ll be examined by the Monterey County Mental Health Department which will then make a recommendation. Those who came to court had mixed reactions.

“They’re not dropping the case, it’s just a continuance. And if it can be done right, for him, and for the system, then I’m all for it,” said Devon Nichols.

Salinas resident Laura Mendez said, “He has to be given the seven years that the DA’s trying to push. He has to be given the whole seven years. And mental issues? Please, you knew what you were doing when setting that dog on fire. No, there’s no excuse for that. Mental or not, there’s no excuse for setting an animal on fire.”

The incident happened on March 27 when Sirwet allegedly lured Kato the dog out of his mother’s house in Soledad, took him to a nearby drainage ditch, doused him with lighter fluid and lit him on fire. Soledad Police found the pitbull with severe burns over 90% of his body. He was humanely euthanized not long after.

Sirwet is being held in county jail with no bail.

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The man accused of setting a dog on fire will appear in Monterey County Court Thursday. The preliminary examination is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. for Devonte Marquis Sirwet, and if social media is any type of indicator, it could be a packed courthouse. Kato supporters are encouraging animal lovers alike to show up Thursday in what they’re calling #justiceforkato.

One Facebook post reads “The trial will be Thursday at 1:30 in Courtroom 6. Please bring all of your animal supporting friends and family. Kato needs us.” On March 27th “Kato” was found severely burned on Metz Road just outside the city limits of Soledad. The dog was transported to a nearby hospital and had to be euthanized due to the severity of his injuries.He suffered burns to more than 90 percent of his body. KION spoke to his family back in March and this is what they had to say.

“Whoever did do this they will pay for their crime that they did. He was part of our family and he was a loveable big old baby,” said the Espinoza Family.

Devonte Marquis Sirwet was arrested in Salinas. He was booked into Monterey County Jail for animal theft, animal cruelty, arson, and possession of controlled substances.