Arrest Made in Death of Dog Breeder; Suspect Sold Stolen Puppy
A 36-year-old man is currently in custody on suspicion of killing a Colorado dog breeder who was reported missing last month and then found dead on land near his home, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. Sergio Ferrer is suspected of first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated robbery in the death of 57-year-old Paul Peavey, who ran a business called Elite European Dobermans on a 110-acre Rocky Mountain property.
The Tragic Discovery
Paul Peavey’s body was discovered on August 24 by an organized search party, according to the sheriff’s news release. The Clear Creek County Coroner’s Office confirmed that he had suffered a gunshot wound and ruled his death as a homicide. Peavey, known for his decades-long love of dogs and the quality of his litters, was found on the property that housed his dog breeding business.
The Investigation Unfolds
Peavey was reported missing from his property on August 21, prompting a search that led to the heartbreaking discovery of his body. Deputies who arrived at his home found his dogs abandoned without food or water, leading them to take the animals to a shelter. A subsequent search by a group of individuals looking for Peavey led to the discovery of his body down a hill near his trailer, covered in branches and rocks.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by HuffPost, the man who found Peavey’s body had called his cellphone after his disappearance and spoke to someone using a fake accent, believed to be Sergio Ferrer. The warrant also mentioned that Ferrer’s daughter had been selling Doberman pinscher puppies on Facebook, leading to suspicions of foul play.
The Allegations Against Ferrer
Investigations revealed that several puppies were missing from Peavey’s property, along with cash, metal-detecting equipment, and jewelry. Ferrer was arrested on an outstanding warrant related to a weapons charge in Nebraska. Subsequent searches of Ferrer’s home yielded items belonging to Peavey, including jewelry and a cellphone. Clothes with possible bloodstains were also found, adding to the mounting evidence against Ferrer.
During questioning, Ferrer initially claimed to have purchased a Doberman from Peavey but later admitted to taking items from his home, including guns, dog registration papers, and jewelry. However, he vehemently denied harming Peavey or stealing dogs, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The investigation also revealed that one of Peavey’s microchipped puppies had been sold to a new owner by Ferrer, further incriminating him in the case.
The Twists and Turns
In a surprising turn of events, Ferrer alleged that Peavey was involved in a drug cartel and that his property was a stash house. He claimed that Peavey had fired a gun at him during a dispute over missing drugs, leading to a fatal confrontation in self-defense. While Ferrer admitted to moving Peavey’s body to a location where it could be found, he denied any involvement in the breeder’s death.
Despite Ferrer’s claims, authorities continue to investigate the case, with many of Peavey’s Doberman puppies still missing. The public is urged to come forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of the missing dogs. The tragic death of Paul Peavey has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers faced by those in the dog breeding industry.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Peavey’s death and the missing puppies. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the breeding and selling of dogs, as well as the importance of thorough background checks and security measures within the industry. The legacy of Paul Peavey and his beloved Dobermans will not be forgotten, as his tragic death serves as a cautionary tale for breeders and buyers alike.