DCSO asks state police to investigate K-9’s death

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been asked to investigate after a Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was found dead in their handler’s vehicle earlier this summer.

Officials held a news conference Friday afternoon giving an update on the investigation after social media posts regarding the dog’s death called for more transparency.

The agency launched its initial investigation into the K-9’s death on July 28. The car was not running and the temperature that July day was 90 degrees; however, the cause of death for the K-9 has not been released.

The sheriff’s office forwarded the findings of its internal investigation to an “external agency” for review, then sent the information to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for an independent investigation.

“This step was taken to ensure that every aspect of the investigation is subject to the highest level of scrutiny and to maintain the trust that the public has placed in us,” said Lt. Chaz Easterlin, who represents DCSO’s Office of Professional Standards.

Lt. Easterlin called the K-9’s death a serious matter and acknowledged concerns from the community.

“It is important to understand that during an active investigation, there are limitations on what we can discuss publicly. While we recognize that there are questions, it is necessary to respect the investigative process. Until the investigation is complete, we are unable to provide further comments or details. This is essential to ensure that the investigation remains unbiased,” he said.

While the agency said they are limited on what details they can release due to the active nature of the investigation, they are urging the public not to believe everything they see on social media.

“We made a post yesterday that describes what we believe to be inconsistencies across social media, so we’ll leave it at that for this time,” said Lt. Easterlin.

An update was not given on the handler’s employment status. The sheriff’s office said there will be a memorial for the K-9 once the investigation is complete.