Kern County Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Strangling Partner and Killing Dog

Kern County Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Strangling Partner and Killing Dog

Kern County Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Strangling Partner and Killing Dog

Brandon Artis Swan, aged 40, was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday after being found guilty by a Kern County jury of strangling his partner and killing her dog. The verdict included charges of inflicting spousal injury, animal cruelty, and violating a court order.

Swan’s defense attorney, Travis Jossenberger, stated on Tuesday that Swan admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the incident, indicating a struggle with substance abuse.

According to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, the altercation occurred on October 7, when Swan threw his romantic partner to the ground and attempted to strangle her during an argument. Notably, Swan was subject to three active restraining orders prohibiting contact with his partner.

The following day, Swan was present in the victim’s residence and informed her that her dog, Rosie, was dying. Upon inspection, the victim discovered that Rosie’s neck had been slit open, resulting in the dog’s death within minutes. Prosecutors noted that Swan could be heard laughing as the dog perished.

Judge David Zulfa, presiding over the case, emphasized on Tuesday that Swan’s extensive criminal history warranted the maximum sentence for the charges. Additionally, Swan was ordered to pay $300 in restitution to the victim.

The sentencing underscores the severity of domestic violence and animal cruelty offenses, reaffirming the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

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