Missouri AG office reviewing Savannah K-9 death investigation

By Chris Fortune

The case involving the death of Savannah K-9 officer Horus rests in the hands of the Missouri Attorney General’s office.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol completed its monthlong investigation on Aug. 2. News-Press NOW reached out to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and was told that its team is currently reviewing the highway patrol’s investigation.

K-9 officer Horus died on June 20 after completing an overnight shift in Savannah. Reports citing the Savannah Police Department and Police Chief David Vincent said that Horus died after being left in a vehicle following the shift.

A St. Joseph resident shared what justice looks like in his eyes to appease Savannah residents.

“Have the officer pay reparations, as in the cost of Horus himself, and the training and everything else that went along with that,” Brandon Lewis said. “Or he honestly needs to spend a little bit of time in jail. And while he’s there, put him through programs or other things like that to give him the chance to rehabilitate.”

At a vigil for Horus in late June, organizers in Savannah asked the community to avoid hindering the investigation and antagonizing the police department.

“That’s one bad apple in a group of — I’m sure they’re outstanding officers, and there’s nothing that should be connected with the entire police department as a whole,” he said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control began investigating the case after Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney Monica Morrey requested a special investigation.

The Missouri Attorney General’s office was appointed special prosecutor on June 27.

“I just really hope that, as bad as the situation is, it can be used as a learning experience for future K-9 handlers and their K-9 partners,” Lewis said. “And hopefully this will not happen again.”