LANCASTER, PA — Loyna Dejesus-Osorio, 53, of Lancaster city, has been handed down a sentence of seven years probation, with an initial nine months to be served under house arrest. This decision came from Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Wright on Wednesday, following Dejesus-Osorio’s no contest plea entered on February 12, 2024, for assaulting her neighbor and causing the death of the neighbor’s five-month-old Chihuahua on September 25, 2022.
The sentence also mandates Dejesus-Osorio to attend anger management classes, write a letter of apology to the victim, and complete 100 hours of community service at a recognized animal service organization such as the Humane League or Organization for the Responsible Care of Animals (ORCA).
The incident, which took place in the 100 block of Old Dorwart Street, was described by Assistant District Attorney Jaimes Spring as “an unprovoked attack on a neighbor she had only met once before.” The prosecution presented evidence, including photographs of the injuries sustained by both the victim and the puppy named Tinkerbell, alongside a video capturing the harrowing moments of the attack. Descriptions of the assault include Dejesus-Osorio warning the victim not to enter her territory, followed by physical violence that resulted in severe injuries to the victim and the fatal injuring of the puppy.
Despite a request from the prosecution for a prison sentence of six to 23 months, citing the defendant’s danger to the community and lack of remorse, the defense highlighted Dejesus-Osorio’s work history and positive character testimonials from coworkers and friends. In response, ADA Spring remarked, “A person’s character is judged by what they do while nobody’s watching.”
The victim, speaking during the proceedings, shared the ongoing trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and significant life alterations she has endured since the attack, including relocating from her home due to safety concerns.
On the day of the attack, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police were called to the scene following reports of the assault. According to the victim’s account, Dejesus-Osorio initiated the attack while the victim was walking her puppy behind Dejesus-Osorio’s residence, resulting in grievous injury to the victim and the tragic death of Tinkerbell, who suffered extensive physical trauma.
This case, while ending in a non-custodial sentence, highlights the judicial system’s consideration of various factors in determining appropriate punitive measures. It also throws into relief the broader societal expectations around justice, rehabilitation, and the consequences of violence.
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