A man accused of stealing a dog from a local animal rescue is now serving decades in prison for murder in another state.
Brandon Michael Bussey, 21, was sentenced to more than 51 years in prison in North Carolina in the 2019 killing of a North Carolina man.
Marcus Warren Smith, 26, was stabbed and beaten with a meat tenderizer by Bussey and Jesse Jesus Sanchez, 22, the victim’s on-and-off boyfriend.
The killing happened Oct. 28, 2019, shortly after Bussey fled with the dog from the Funny Farm in Mays Landing.
Bussey was homeless in Atlantic City and had mental health issues, so workers at the farm decided to buy the dog, Cesar, with the promise he wouldn’t be adopted out and Bussey could come visit him.
But instead, he took the dog and fled.
The victim apparently recognized the dog and called police to arrange for the dog’s return, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
Bussey was angry about that, Forsyth County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Martin said, according to the publication. Sanchez also made claims Smith physically abused him, but there were never any complaints to back that up.
Bussey and Sanchez, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, talked about killing Smith for the two weeks leading up to the killing.
Smith was asleep in bed when Sanchez texted Bussey, who later came into the room with a meat tenderizer, according to the report.
Bussey told police he hit Smith with the meat tenderizer several times, the search warrant said. Sanchez then stabbed Smith several times.
Smith had five different stab wounds, including his neck, abdomen, back, and left forearm, according to the autopsy. He died from stab wounds that punctured his liver and right lung.
Neighbors heard the attack and called police.
When officers arrived, Bussey answered the door in his underwear, covered in blood, the report said.
Smith was found in the bathroom with a towel stuffed in his mouth, partially covering his face, according to the search warrant.
Both men were sentenced to consecutive sentences with a maximum of 51 years and eight months in prison. They must serve at least 41 years and four months.
The dog was safely returned.
