Nokomis trio arrested in killing of Pomeranian dog

SARASOTA, Fla.- Three people from Nokomis were arrested for animal cruelty after deputies connected them to the strangling death of a 7-pound Pomeranian, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said.

The incident took place on June 27 at a home on North River Road. A witness told authorities Judy Lamb, 56, and Eddie Roden, 70, were mishandling the dog while its owner was sleeping.

Lamb had been carrying the dog by its neck, according to the witness, and Roden carried it around by its tail. Deputies found the dog deceased after entering the home.

When questioned, authorities say Lamb admitted to unsuccessfully strangling the dog before Mona Gehman, 51, stepped in to “finish the job.”

Roden also admitted to playing a part in the dog’s death by tying a shoestring around its neck, deputies said. A necropsy of the dog determined it died as a result of trauma to its head and abdomen.

After her arrest, deputies say they discovered Lamb unresponsive in her jail cell Tuesday evening from an apparent suicide.