ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — James Wesley Henry, 45 of Asheville, pleaded guilty today, Feb. 10, to one count of felony animal cruelty.
According to the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, Henry was tried in connection with the fatal July 2023 stabbing of a dog named Beignet in Weaver Park.
Henry, homeless at the time of the slaying, was initially found incompetent to stand trial. However, after treatment at a state psychiatric hospital, he was deemed competent to return to legal proceedings.
Beignet’s owners were informed of Henry’s guilty plea and did not wish to make a statement to the court.
“The horrific cruelty inflicted upon Beignet highlights the inadequacy of current animal cruelty laws in North Carolina. I urge lawmakers to enhance these laws without delay to protect vulnerable wildlife and animal companions. My thoughts are with Beignet’s family,” District Attorney Todd Williams said, according to a DA press release.
The DA’s office asked the court to sentence Henry to the maximum sentence allowed by law for his crime. Visiting Superior Court Judge Gary Gavenus sentenced Henry to eight to 19 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections.
At the time of his guilty plea, Henry had spent 595 days in pretrial confinement. The time will be credited against the term of imprisonment.