Today Stephen Ewing and Bobby Lee Killian were sentenced to 2 years jail time after being found guilty on March 15th 2008 of dog fighting by a jury of their peers.

Both men are out on $20,000 bond pending appeal.

Ewing 51 and Killian 52 both of Morristown were arrested on May 28th 2007 Memorial Day at the residence of Ewing on W. 7th North by Animal Control officers and Morristown Police officers after receiving information that a possible organized dogfight was taking place.

After arriving at the residence officer’s observed numerous males in the back yard of the residence along with 2 pit bull dogs upon receiving consent from Mr. Ewing animal control officers entered the basement of the house and found 2 severely injured pit bull dogs along with a dog fighting pit and objects used in dog fighting.

Mr. Killian was found near the fighting pit attempting to clean blood from the walls.

Evidence was collected and dogs removed, Mr. Killian and Mr. Ewing were arrested and 4 others were charged with being a spectator at a dog fight which is a misdemeanor 3 of the 4 plead no contest the 4th failed to show for court.

We here at the Morristown/Hamblen County animal control wish to thank the District Attorney’s office and the members of the jury for sending a message to the public that we will not tolerate animal fighting of any kind in our area.

Crimes like this are not uncommon in our area and are very hard to prosecute for they are very secretive, but with the help of the public with information we can stop these crimes, these are not big city crimes anymore.

Officer Richard Hart
Morristown/Hamblen County Animal Control
423-312-7887