A FedEx driver has been accused of animal cruelty after he allegedly stole a dog while delivering packages, with the heat of traveling in the FedEx truck presumably leading to the dog's death. On July 3, 2024, the FedEx driver, identified as Kimani Joehon Marshall, 44, was delivering packages in Harnett County, North Carolina, when the incident occurred.
Marshall allegedly stole Tori, a 3-year-old French bulldog, who was a championship show dog worth $5,500, per ABC 11. According to the outlet, Marshall had asked Tori's family about their pup before.
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ABC 11 reported that Marshall previously proposed breeding Tori with his dog, and Tori's family declined. On the day that Tori went missing, she had somehow escaped from her home. Her family told WRAL News that Tori "got loose then was taken" and was not stolen directly from the family's property.
Before realizing that she had been stolen, Tori's family searched the neighborhood for her and put up fliers, hoping to reunite with their beloved pet.
On July 7, Tori was found dead. Investigators believe that Marshall had Tori in his truck while delivering more packages, and that traveling in the FedEx truck on a hot day contributed to her death, per WRAL News. The outlet reported that Marshall turned himself in on July 22, and was charged with larceny of a dog, possession of stolen property and cruelty to animals.
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Marshall is no longer working for FedEx. FedEx shared a statement with ABC 11, and said the following: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of their beloved pet. We understand the importance of people's pets in their lives and deeply regret the pain that this has caused. The driver is no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx."