Crime & Safety

Son of Man Accused of Freezing Kittens Charged with Attempted Murder

Sunday, Rodney Blanchard was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty. Monday, his son was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

On Sunday, 39-year-old Rodney Blanchard was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty for allegedly keeping four kittens inside a freezer in sandwich bags. One kitten died while three others are still recovering at an emergency vet. 

Monday afternoon, Blanchard's son, Damian Blanchard, was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the Dec. 1 double shooting at the Sunshine Mobile Home Park. 

Francis James Bahr was previously arrested by detectives for the mobile home park shooting, which occurred just after 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. 

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According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, reports indicate 24-year-old Damian Blanchard called the victims out of their mobile home. Once outside, Bahr allegedly shot them.

The victims, Rosa Pereira, 42, and David Sharp, 46 were in the carport of their mobile home when they were shot. 

Find out what's happening in St. Petefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

According to the Sheriff's Office report, detectives learned that Bahr wanted a relationship with Pereira, and she was not interested. She was living with Sharp, a new boyfriend.

Pereira and Sharp are still recovering from serious gunshot wounds to the upper body. They, according to deputies, were both able to speak to detectives Monday, resulting in the confirmation of Damian Blanchard as the second suspect in the shootings.

Pinellas detectives are also seeking Dayle Drollett as a witness in the double shootings involving Sharp and Pereira. Deputies say he is not going to be charged.

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