Man leaves Indiana after house fire, is charged in Michigan for shooting brother’s dog

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Authorities in Indiana told News Channel 3 they couldn’t locate Dylan Hall after his house burnt down Jan. 20, killing his dog.

But it wasn’t long before officers in Michigan located the 36-year-old on Jan. 21 and he was arrested and charged for a separate incident -allegedly attempting to kill his brother’s dog.

Hall was charged in Calhoun County court with the following:

• First degree home Invasion
• Animals – killing/torturing

Last Monday, officers responded to a unwanted person complaint at a home in Bedford Township, according to court records.

One of Hall’s brothers had reported Hall was at the residence. Officers made contact with Hall in the driveway, who stated he was visiting.

The brother told officers he did not want Hall at his residence. When officers told him to leave he followed their instructions, records detailed.

Soon after, Hall’s brother also left the home, but when he returned he noticed a blood trail in the snow leading up to the house.

“I had found that the door had been forced in and there was blood on the wall, the door, through the house and a big pool of blood where the dog was kept,” the brother said, who wishes to remain anonymous.

The brother called authorities who located Luna, his emotional support pet laying in the backyard struggling to breath.

Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD) officers said they found a dog outside its owners’ house with a gunshot wound to the right side of its nose in addition to a “large pool of blood,” bone fragments and a .22 caliver shell casing inside a dog kennel.

“I was scared and I felt like a part of myself was dying,” said anonymous person.

Court records reveal Hall broke into his brother’s house and attempted to kill Luna by shooting her in the snout with a rifle.

Luna was taken to an emergency veterinarian in Kalamazoo for treatment, and survived the attack.

Hall’s brother told News Channel 3 he’s been living in fear of Hall most his life, saying he has struggled with mental health issues and has never gotten help.

He said he got even more scared when Hall’s home in Indiana burnt down and his dog died.

Steuben County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Meeks told News Channel 3 it’s suspected the home was purposely set on fire.

“I knew it wouldn’t be anyone else doing it,” said anonymous person. “My fear magnified 1,000 fold.”

Court records show the rifle Hall allegedly used to shoot Luna malfunctioned and Hall’s brother said she’s lucky to be alive.

“A lot of my mental health depends on her, she’s everything to me,” said anonymous person.

But, he feels his brother’s $2,500 bond was set too low.

“It is my belief he will come after me when he gets out,” said anonymous person.

The Indiana fire at Hall’s home is under investigation.

Hall is scheduled to be back in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.