Norwalk woman killed dog with box cutter, thought pet was possessed by the devil, warrant said
Blanca Ortiz, 48, of Norwalk, is charged with animal cruelty and malicious wounding or killing of an animal, a felony, in connection with the death of her family's 7-year-old Yorkie, Gizmo, per the warrant.
More Stories
A Norwalk woman told police she killed her dog with a box cutter because she was using drugs and believed the dog was possessed by the devil, according to her arrest warrant.
Blanca Ortiz, 48, is charged with animal cruelty and malicious wounding or killing of an animal, a felony, in connection with the death of her family's 7-year-old Yorkie, Gizmo, per the warrant.
Ortiz was arrested last week, but Norwalk police told News 12 the investigation into Ortiz started over the summer. Police said on July 23, a 911 call came in from Ortiz's son, who said his mother was experiencing a mental health crisis and he thought she killed the dog.
Police responded to the family's home on Orlando Place and found Gizmo critically injured and hidden under laundry in the dryer, the warrant said. The weapon used was found on the floor of the laundry room.
"She actually used a box cutter. She stabbed the animal," said Lt. Robert Zwillich.
The dog was still alive and rushed to VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center. According to the warrant, the head veterinarian said Gizmo's injuries were so severe that even with emergency surgery, the chances of him surviving were roughly 5%. She recommended putting him down, which family agreed to, the warrant said.
According to Ortiz's arrest warrant, when police arrived, Ortiz was only wearing a towel and told officers she had killed the dog and was sorry.
"She stated she had been using drugs and thought the dog was possessed by the devil and was trying to take her blood. She stated she was trying to get her blood back," the warrant said. "Blanca continued rambling, stating her regret and that she ruined the family. Blanca also mentioned hallucinations such as seeing numbers on the walls."
Zwillich said officers transported Ortiz to Norwalk Hospital, where she was placed under a psychiatric hold. He also said animal control officers returned to the home the day after the incident to check on the family's other pets and found them to be healthy and properly cared for.
Ortiz was in treatment the past few months, during which police secured an arrest warrant. Once she was released, she turned herself in to Norwalk police and went before a judge in Stamford Superior Court on Nov. 2. During her arraignment, the prosecutor said Ortiz's warrant was one of the most troubling she'd seen in a while and Ortiz needed help. The prosecutor also told News 12 Ortiz cried throughout the hearing. She remains in custody on a $50,000 bond. If she's able to post that, she cannot possess animals and must undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluation and treatment, per the court file.
Ortiz is due back in court Nov. 20.
