St. Paul Man Charged With Four Felonies After Allegedly Strangling Woman, Attacking Two Dogs
Ramsey County Jail Booking Photo
Published: October 14th 2026.
SAINT PAUL MN - A St. Paul man is facing four felony charges after allegedly threatening and strangling a woman before attacking two dogs at a residence in St. Paul, leaving one dog dead and another injured.
Deondre Johnny Leshawn Hirocho, 36, has been charged in Ramsey County District Court with felony threats of violence, domestic assault by strangulation, and two counts of animal mistreatment resulting in death or great bodily harm to a pet or companion animal.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred on October 10, 2026, at a residence on Reaney Avenue in St. Paul.
The complaint alleges that Hirocho had been involved in an ongoing dispute with a woman he was dating, who had repeatedly asked him to move out of their shared residence.
On October 10, the woman reported that Hirocho made multiple threats against her before pushing her against a wall and placing his hand around her throat. She told investigators that she was unable to breathe for approximately five seconds and feared for her life.
The woman subsequently returned to work, leaving two dogs unharmed inside the residence.
Shortly afterward, another resident returned home and discovered that both dogs had suffered serious injuries. The resident also reported seeing Hirocho fleeing the property with several belongings.
According to the complaint, one dog, named Petey, suffered multiple injuries and required emergency veterinary treatment, including stitches.
The second dog, Princess, suffered severe injuries and was euthanized at an emergency veterinary clinic.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a neighboring property that allegedly showed Hirocho leaving the residence with several items, returning a short time later, and fleeing again.
At approximately 3:34 p.m., Hirocho contacted dispatch and reported being at the Arlington Recreation Center, where officers subsequently arrested him.
Police recovered a Ruger 9mm pistol from his backpack, according to the complaint.
During an interview with investigators, Hirocho reportedly denied injuring the dogs. He told police he had entered another resident's bedroom to retrieve what he believed was his missing PlayStation 5.
The felony threats of violence charge carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, while the domestic assault by strangulation charge carries up to three years. Each animal mistreatment charge carries a maximum sentence of two years.
All charges are allegations, and Hirocho is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.