Kiln man suspect in death of judge’s dog arrested in Harrison County

Norman Archer Jr.

Hancock County officials have arrested a Kiln man who allegedly broke into the Hancock County Animal Shelter to get his pit bull before it could be euthanized.

Sheriff Ricky Adam said 59-year-old Norman Archer Jr., was arrested in Harrison County by U.S. Marshals. Archer had the pit bull, Diesel, with him when he was captured and the dog also was taken into custody.

He was taken to the Hancock County jail and charged with commercial burglary, theft of dogs and retaliation against a public official, Adam said. Bond was set at $12,500.

Archer is accused of breaking in and taking Diesel from the shelter on Saturday.

Justice Court Judge Desmond Hoda had ordered Diesel to be put down after it mauled a six-year-old girl.

Now, late on Saturday, Judge Hoda’s eight-year-old German Shepard, Achilles, went missing and was found dead the next day from what appeared to be some kind of poisoning.

Norman Archer had been seen near the judge’s property around that timeframe.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says this is still an active investigation.

We will keep you updated on any new developments.