Juneau man charged with killing ex-girlfriend’s dog

Published 12:00 pm Thursday, August 6, 2026

A Juneau man is facing charges for killing his ex-girlfriend’s dog.

Brian Rodney Groom, 44, was charged with cruelty to animals Aug. 4 in Juneau District Court.

The charging information says Groom knowingly killed or injured an animal on April 3, with intent to intimidate, threaten, or terrorize another person.

According to court documents, Juneau Police were contacted by Angela Lawler who told them her ex-partner had shot and killed her dog at their shared residence because she would not answer her phone. She said she was in Washington state having dinner with her father when Groom began sending multiple text messages and making repeated phone calls.

The information filed by Assistant Attorney General Justin Works said the text messages included threats of “I’m killing your dog,” “I’m not f’ing around,” and “I’m shooting your dog.” Police also reviewed a voicemail from Groom saying Lawler needed to answer her phone or he would shoot her dog.

“Lawler told police that there were two dogs with Groom at their residence, and she was worried for the safety of the second dog,” according to the court document. “Juneau Police responded to the shared residence, where they located the dog’s body with a single gunshot wound to the head. The other dog was located and taken by Juneau Animal Rescue for its safety.”

None of the allegations have been proven in court.