Suspect in dog death posts bail in Thurston County

A man accused of sexually assaulting and killing a pit bull was released from Thurston County Jail after posting bail Wednesday.

James Leroy Evans, 33, was arrested Saturday and has been charged with one count of first-degree animal cruelty.

Evans first appeared in court Monday where bail was set for $50,000. He is expected to enter a plea at his arraignment 10 a.m. April 26.

Evans was required to appear in court Wednesday to specify release conditions if he posted bail.

As part of the conditions, Evans must stay at the court-approved address where no animals are present. He is not allowed to have any contact with animals or with the two witnesses who were named in court documents.

About eight animal advocates attended Wednesday’s hearing to show support for Diamond, the 3-year-old pit bull who was found hanging March 21 on state land near Summit Lake. The dog’s body also showed severe trauma from a sexual assault.

One animal control officer said the case is one of the worst she has ever seen. Evans has admitted to killing Diamond because he said the dog killed his iguana, according to documents.

A makeshift memorial for Diamond has been set up in the entryway at Thurston County Animal Services, 3120 Martin Way E., Olympia. The memorial includes flowers, notes, candles and a photo of the dog.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Suspect in dog death posts bail in Thurston County."