Dog Helps Police Identify Owner’s killer
A loyal pet dog named Titan played a crucial role in helping police identify and arrest the individual responsible for the murder of its owner in 2023.
On April 5, 2023, the dog’s owner, Mandy Rose Reynolds, a 26-year-old lady from Idaho was found burned “beyond recognition” in a brush fire in Robinson, Texas.
As stated in a press release from the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office on November 8, Robinson police officers who responded to the incident found a dog near the brush fire.
The white labradoodle according to the release “barked frantically at officers and refused to leave the area of the body, but also refused to allow police to capture it.”
The next day, the loyal dog returned to the scene of the crime, sitting in the very spot where its owner had been found.
A concerned citizen who discovered the dog’s return then notified Animal Control of the dog, who determined through microchipping that the deceased person was likely Reynolds and her dog’s name is Titan.
The microchip information provided by Titan prompted Robinson police to suspect that the body which was burned beyond recognition belonged to Reynolds.
Detectives, following the trail left by Titan, discovered that the victim lives in San Marcos, Texas. “Police in San Marcos were contacted and officers there went to Reynolds’ residence to look for her.”
Upon investigating Reynolds’ apartment, detectives found it empty, with her belongings, including her car, a black Honda Accord missing.
Detectives, following the trail left by Titan, discovered that the victim lives in San Marcos, Texas. “Police in San Marcos were contacted and officers there went to Reynolds’ residence to look for her.”
When the police ran her vehicle information on a license plate reader database, they discovered that the car was somewhere in Wichita, Kansas.
Looking out for Reynolds’ car, Wichita Police officers spotted Reynolds’ car on April 8, 2023 and attempted to pull it over but the driver ran from police and hid behind the canned goods shelf at a grocery store where he was caught. The driver was identified as Reynolds’ cousin and killer, Derek Daigneault.
A meticulous investigation revealed a chilling picture of the crime. Reynolds had been shot in the head and her body burned inside a large plastic storage container.
Evidence, including a handgun found inside Reynolds’ car which matched the .380 shell casing that was found on the scene where Reynolds was burnt linked Daigneault to the murder. Additionally, surveillance footage from a Walmart in San Marcos captured Daigneault purchasing the container, a shovel, and a gas can, further solidifying his involvement.
On April 7, 2023, San Marcos police discovered all of Reynolds’ personal belongings in an abandoned truck located several miles from her home
On November 7, 2024, Daigneault, 29 was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Calvert and Alyssa Killin credited Titan’s unwavering loyalty and the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies for bringing justice to Reynolds.
“The keys to this case were a heroic and loyal dog named Titan and extraordinary cooperation between law enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions and states.”
“That combination has delivered justice for Mandy and safety from a violent and dangerous criminal. Thank you to the Robinson Police Department, the San Marcos Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department for their exceptional work.”
Newsweek reports that Reynolds’ best friend, the apartment property manager, adopted Titan after her tragic death. “He’s doing great and came to the trial,” Calvert reportedly shared.
Pet microchipping has proven to be a vital tool in reuniting lost pets with their owners and, as in the case of Mandy Rose Reynolds, can be instrumental in criminal investigations.
