Teen Pleads Guilty To Killing Dog With Hammer

A 14-year-old boy charged as an adult in a Kentwood home invasion and accused of killing a dog with a hammer has pleaded guilty.

Jonathan Castelan entered his plea Monday in Kent County Circuit Court in exchange for a pledge by prosecutors not to charge him in a separate break-in.

Authorities say Castelan and a 13-year-old suspect broke into the home May 17.

Castelan said the dog bit him, so he hit the dachshund named "Pinto'' in the head with a hammer. The homeowner found the dog with a broken neck.

A 13-year-old suspect has been charged in juvenile court with first-degree home invasion.

Castelan's lawyer, Valerie Foster, told The Grand Rapids Press her client doesn't fully appreciate the circumstances of his actions.

Castelan remains jailed without bond pending a Sept. 1 sentencing.
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Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grand-rapids
  
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