A deceased Texas woman’s body was discovered smoldering at the scene of the fire. Prosecutors say her dog assisted police in identifying her.
Amanda Rose Reynolds was killed in April 2023 in Robinson, Texas, according to KWTX, Fox 44, and the Waco Tribune-Herald.
Derek J. Daigneault, 26, is accused of her murder, according to McClellan County, Texas jail records. KWTX claims that Daigneault and Reynolds were relatives.
During the opening comments in Daigneault’s trial, prosecutors stated that Reynolds’ body was discovered in a plastic storage container and had been set on fire, according to KWTX. She’d been shot in the head.
As Reynolds’ body burned, firemen observed a white labradoodle named Titan refusing to leave the scene, according to the outlet, citing prosecutors. According to KWTX, the dog escaped authorities who attempted to apprehend him before a thunderstorm struck the area.
However, the following morning, a Robinson man discovered Titan in the same location where Reynolds’ body was located, according to authorities. The man took the puppy to authorities, who discovered it was microchipped, allowing them to identify Reynolds, according to KWTX.
Daigneault, who was detained in Kansas, according to KWTX, Fox 44, and KSNW, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
KWTX reported that during opening statements, Daigneault’s attorney stated that there was no evidence linking his client to the crime scene and implored the jury not to fall for the prosecution’s “dog and pony show.”