Man accused of mutilating dogs in Florissant had ‘enraged mental state,’ lengthy criminal history
TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The man on the run from police for aggravated animal cruelty charges had a history of violence even before he allegedly slaughtered two of his roommate's dogs.
An arrest warrant obtained by KRDO on Wednesday details new disturbing details on two dogs who died in Teller County.
On Saturday, the Teller County Sheriff's Office Animal Control team was called to a welfare check in Florissant after the dog's owner said he received concerning text messages from his roommate, Matthew Dieringer.
When deputies arrived at the mobile home, they found the insides in disarray -- the walls were covered in blood and had multiple holes, including one spot that looked like it had been body slammed. Deputies also found the words "South Park" etched onto a TV screen in the home, and neighbors told investigators that Dieringer claimed to be working on a South Park movie.
"The scene we went into was difficult," explained Trixie Hudspeth, Teller County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Officer.
The warrant says deputies found a 6-inch tail black tail with a white tip severed and submerged in water. The owner of the dogs positively identified the tail belonging to his dog, Hayoka. Other remains of Hayoka haven't been found.
Hudpseth said, "the portion of Hayoka that was recovered, we discovered with Colorado State University necropsy was discovered to be found after the death of the dog."
Outside the mobile home, deputies found a blue plastic tote with Suka's remains inside. It was determined after a necropsy that she died of a blunt force trauma.
Several tooth fragments and black dog hair were found in a bathtub train inside the home.
"It was pretty disturbing, you know? It was a very gruesome scene. We want to make sure we locate Matthew Dieringer, asking him please come forward, come talk to us. We want to talk to you," Hudspeth explained.
Neighbors in the area reported hearing yelling and seeing Dieringer in an "enraged mental state," the night before law enforcement arrived at the home.
Dieringer also has a history of arrests for assault, criminal mischief, and burglary, according to Colorado court records, though some of those charges were later dismissed. Court records show that at least one family member obtained a protective order against Dieringer.
Dieringer is suspected to be in the Manitou Springs area, but also has ties in other parts of the Pikes Peak Region. If you have any information on his whereabouts, call Officer Trixie Hudspeth at 719-687-9652.
