Two Virginia residents have been sentenced to prison for robbing a woman at gunpoint in her home and killing her dog.
Northern News Now reports that 24-year-old Dakota Jakob Sandberg will serve over six years behind bars for first-degree burglary and animal cruelty. His accomplice — 25-year-old Heather Ann Nappa — will spend over three years in prison for aiding in first-degree aggravated robbery and first-degree robbery.
Police arrested the pair back in October of 2023.
Dog shot, killed during Virginia home break-in at gunpoint
A previous story run by the Northern News Now revealed the unidentified victim was asleep in her bedroom with her dog when she heard someone enter her home. In response, her dog jumped out of bed, ran out of the bedroom since the door was open, and began barking.
Moments later, two people dressed in black clothing and ski masks approached her bedroom. Court documents show that Sandberg shot the victim’s dog in the head before pointing the gun at the victim.
According to the victim, Nappa and Sandberg demanded cash and “stuff” from her. Surprisingly, she and Nappa were no strangers, as the two previously lived together before they fell out. During the break-in, the victim was able to identify Nappa’s voice. Thankfully, she managed to force her bedroom door shut and the intruders left.
When police officers arrived at the scene, they found the dog had already succumbed to the gunshot wound. Officers later arrested Sandberg and Nappa at different locations and took them into custody.
During interrogation, Nappa told authorities she did not know Sandberg had a gun when they went to the victim’s house. She further alleged she sought Sandberg’s help because the victim owed her money which she needed back, hence the break-in.
It’s reported that the dog jumped on Sandberg and tried to bite him before the fatal shooting occurred.
