Retrial begins in burning of pit bull

Associated Press//March 29, 2012//

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A retrial began Thursday for twin brothers accused in the fatal burning of a pit bull in 2009.

Prosecutors told jurors that they will prove that Tremayne and Travers Johnson set the dog nicknamed Phoenix on fire and left her to die. A police officer used her sweater to put out the flames, but the dog was later euthanized.

The brothers, who are now 20, are charged with animal cruelty and mutilation of an animal. Defense attorneys said evidence and witnesses won’t prove that the brothers set fire to the dog. They said it was convenient for authorities to charge the twins to silence public outcry after the incident.

A mistrial was declared in the first trial last year after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision.

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