FedEx driver steals family’s dog, then she dies in his hot truck, NC officials say

A FedEx driver is accused of stealing a family pet, leading to her death in his hot delivery truck, North Carolina officials said.

French bulldog Tori escaped from her family’s home in Lillington through a door that was accidentally left open on July 3, according to her owner, Lori Kemmerer.

“We have searched all over and cannot find her,” Kemmerer wrote in a July 4 Facebook post. “We are heartbroken to say the least. Tori will never survive being out in the heat. I am so hoping someone picked her up.”

Kemmerer later learned someone did pick her up: 44-year-old Kimani Joehon Marshall, according to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Court records show Marshall waived his right to counsel.

Marshall was doing deliveries when he found the dog and put her in his truck, deputies told WRAL.

Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said temperatures exceeded 90 degrees as Marshall continued on his route, according to NBC.

Investigators reported that Tori, worth $5,500, according to an arrest warrant, likely died from heat-related illness, law enforcement told WTVD.

Law enforcement later located the dog’s body and informed Kemmerer, she said on Facebook.

Warrants were issued for Marshall’s arrest on July 11, charging him with cruelty to animals, larceny of a dog and possession of stolen goods or property.

The warrants were served July 22, and he bonded out that same day, records show.

Marshall no longer works for FedEx, the company shared.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of their beloved pet,” a spokesperson told McClatchy News. “We understand the importance of people’s pets in their lives and deeply regret the pain that this has caused.”

Lillington is about a 30-mile drive south from Raleigh.

This story was originally published July 24, 2024 at 6:20 PM with the headline "FedEx driver steals family’s dog, then she dies in his hot truck, NC officials say."