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In cold blood

By Derek Brunet

From a report filed by Derek Brunet, a deputy at the Hernando County, Florida, Sheriff’s Department.

On 05 23 2004, at approximately 1945 hours, I responded to 3207 Strauss Street in reference to an animal complaint. Dispatch advised that a white female, Cynthia Christensen, had just bitten the head off of complainant Jennie Smith’s pet snake.

Upon arrival I made contact with Jennie Smith and Charles Burge. Jennie stated that at approximately 1830 hours, Cynthia Christensen had come down the street riding in a mobilized wheelchair, and was visiting with them at 3207 Strauss Street. Jennie stated that she had a pet snake python that she had purchased one week ago for $26. Jennie stated that her friend Kenny Foss was holding the snake when Cynthia asked to hold it. Kenny then handed the snake to Cynthia. While holding the snake, Cynthia stated aloud, “I’m going to bite the snake’s head off.” Jennie stated that she heard her say this; however, she did not actually see Cynthia bite the snake’s head off. When she looked over at Cynthia she observed the snake in Cynthia’s hand with the head missing. Jennie stated that Charles Burge then grabbed the snake and threw it in the woods so she would not be upset. As Jennie was speaking to me, she was extremely upset and crying, stating the snake never did anything to Cynthia, why would she kill it like that? Jennie stated that Cynthia then rode away in her wheelchair.

I made contact with the homeowner, Kenny Foss. Kenny stated that while Cynthia was holding Jennie’s pet python, he heard her state, “I’m going to bite the snake’s head off.” When he turned back around to look at her, he observed Cynthia holding the snake in her hand with the snake’s head missing and blood dripping down her arm from the snake.

Charles retrieved the snake from the woods. I observed the snake to be approximately 1 1/2 feet in length. The snake was headless and did not have any other marks or injuries to its body. At this time, the snake’s head has not been found.

I then made contact with Cynthia Christensen. At first she stated she was holding the snake and held it to her mouth and the snake bit her on the lip and she threw it on the ground. Then the dog that was in the yard came over and bit the snake’s head off. She then changed her story, stating she held the snake to her mouth and the snake bit her lip and was holding onto her lip, and this is why she stated she was going to bite the snake’s head off. She then pulled the snake from her lip, throwing it on the ground, and the dog bit the snake’s head off. Finally, she stated she was holding the snake to her mouth and the snake bit her a little, so she bit it back.

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SEE ALSO: Animal welfare

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