In a disturbing incident that has shaken the community, an 11-year-old mixed breed dog named Beignet was fatally stabbed in an Asheville park while her owner played pickleball. The suspect, 43-year-old James Wesley Henry, faces felony animal cruelty charges and is held on a $10,000 bond.
According to eyewitness accounts, Henry was observed behaving erratically and arguing with himself before the unprovoked attack. Beignet's owner, Liesbeth Mackie, reported that her dog was peacefully resting in the shade on a long leash when the assault occurred. Other pickleball players witnessed the brutal attack, describing Henry striking the dog with significant force. The suspect then fled the scene, seemingly unconcerned, but was later apprehended by police after bystanders followed him and saw him discard a knife.
Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has experienced a surge in violent crime and a significant decline in police staffing. Police Chief David Zack attributes the rise in crime, in part, to erratic behavior linked to mental health issues and addiction. This incident, while unusual for the typically peaceful Weaver Park area, highlights the growing concern about safety in the city.
This incident comes as Asheville grapples with a more than 40% decrease in its police force since 2020, placing a strain on the department's ability to maintain visibility and respond to the increasing crime rate. City officials recently launched initiatives to address the rising crime and public safety concerns. Liesbeth's husband, Tom Mackie, expressed his outrage, placing blame on city leadership and stating, "Asheville is no longer safe." He highlighted the severity of the attack, emphasizing that it could have just as easily been a person targeted.
