Accused of a heinous crime, 36-year-old Andre Eugene faces charges of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his mother, Donna Hyman. Shockingly, the allegations extend to include the brutal stabbing of the victim’s cherished poodle, Gigi. Disturbingly, Eugene is also charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, as he is accused of throwing the defenseless dog off the 11th floor of a Brooklyn building. The charges paint a grim picture of a tragic incident involving the loss of human and animal life.
Eugene has formally entered a not guilty plea in response to all the charges.
The police responded to a call at the 1500 block of Hornell Loop in Brooklyn around 7 p.m. on January 19. Upon arrival, they discovered Donna Hyman, 58, “lying lifeless on the floor of the 11th-floor apartment” she shared with Eugene, according to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE. The complaint reveals the grim details, indicating that Hyman had suffered 56 stab wounds, including injuries to the heart.
Officers also noted the presence of a lifeless and bloodied dog outside the building, exhibiting multiple stab wounds to its body.
As per the complaint, a forensic veterinarian informed the police that the dog suffered stab wounds to its back, right side, end, and back legs.
Further details from the complaint reveal that officers discovered Eugene, reportedly employed as a paraprofessional at P.S. 17 in Brooklyn, “naked and covered in blood” in front of the building following the alleged attack. The suspect purportedly claimed that Hyman had died by suicide and that the dog fell from the balcony.
Eugene, who reportedly sustained a dog bite to the thigh, was transported to the hospital, as reported by ABC7. Police disclosed that the suspect also had several self-inflicted stab wounds, according to ABC7.
Charges were officially filed against Eugene on January 24, and a court appearance is set for February 27. Despite attempts, an attorney representing Eugene could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.