Suspect in dog’s hanging death pleads not guilty

OLYMPIA — A man charged in connection with the hanging death of a dog in Thurston County has pleaded not guilty.

James Evans pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty in Thurston County Superior Court Tuesday.

The Olympian reports that several dozen animal supporters packed the courtroom, many wearing pink shirts bearing the dog’s name, Diamond.

Court documents show the 3-year-old pit bull was found March 21 hanging from a tree on Department of Natural Resources land near Summit Lake.

An exam found that the dog died from asphyxiation and there was evidence of sexual trauma.

Evans was arrested April 9 and later released on $50,000 bail. His trial is set for July 25.

A request for comment from his attorney, Richard Woodrow, was not immediately returned.