GRESHAM, Ore. (KOIN) — A Meals on Wheels volunteer was arrested after a Chihuahua belonging to a woman he delivered food to was found dead, police said.
Donald Nicoli, 68, reportedly made arrangements to deliver food to 70-year-old June Rigsby every Monday for several months, according to Gresham Police Dept.
Rigsby, who is disabled, was in bed on August 8 when Nicoli arrived to drop off her food. She said she left the door unlocked for Nicoli, who knocked on the door and called her name. Rigsby’s 3 dogs reportedly jumped off her bed to greet him.
She told police she heard a thud and only 2 dogs came back into her room.
After Nicoli made his delivery, Rigsby said she went to check on her 6-year-old Chihuahua, Baby. That’s when she allegedly found the dog dead on the kitchen floor.
“She was my protective angel,” Rigsby told KOIN 6 News via phone.
Baby’s body was sent to Oregon State University for a necropsy. Investigators said the dog died as a result of blunt force trauma and multiple skull fractures.
Nicoli admitted to kicking the dog, but didn’t remember specific details, police said.
“He murdered her,” Rigsby claimed. “They said her jaw was definitely broken.”
He was arrested and charged with aggravated animal abuse.
KOIN 6 News reporter Brent Weisberg contributed to this report
Filed under: Animals, Crime, Local News, Multnomah County, Oregon
