WILMINGTON – The Justice for Axel group is planning its largest event to date this coming Tuesday when they believe Christopher Anthony Simpson, accused of beating a puppy to death, will face sentencing.
Simpson, 21, is on trial for the Christmas Day killing of Axel, a yellow Labrador that belonged to the family of his girlfriend, Alyssa Croom. Under the current North Carolina law, Simpson will face a maximum of 39 months for felony cruelty to animals, however, he is likely to serve much less.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, April 10, Simpson will be in the courtroom for the first time since his first court appearance in January. Justice for Axel organizers believe Simpson’s case will likely be decided on that day – although there are concerns that he may face a lenient sentence.
Justice for Axel organizer Kellie McDonald said this will be a crucial event for the group, founded to advocate for stricter animal cruelty laws and tougher enforcement of the laws already on the books.
“We really need as many people as possible for this,” McDonald said. “We want to make sure Simpson is given a felony conviction, not a misdemeanor.”
Read more: ‘Justice for Axel’ group draws thousands overnight, asks for tougher animal cruelty laws
After Simpson’s arrest, the Justice for Axel group formed to advocate for stricter animal cruelty laws – and tougher enforcement of the laws already on the books. Founder Tammy Croom, Axel’s owner, said when the group was founded that the movement was inspired by Axel’s death, but dedicated to all animal cruelty cases.
Video: Justice for Axel demonstrators turned out for a February court date. Simpson did not appear that day.
Still, Simpson’s case is of central importance to the group.
“This is important, it’s the most important court date we’ve had,” McDonald said.
The exceptional violence of Simpson’s case has made it a focal point for local animal cruelty activists. Prosecutors have noted the exceptional brutality of Axel’s killing and Simpson’s previous animal cruelty charges – which were dropped when Alyssa Croom refused to cooperate with the Brunswick County District Attorney’s office.
Based on these factors, Judge Lindsey McKee set Simpson’s bail at $100,000, high enough to keep Simpson detained at the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office jail since January. However, when it comes to sentencing, a judge will be constrained to a maximum of 3 years plus time served.
Justice for Axel organizers hope their Tuesday event will draw the attention of state legislators and encourage them to increase maximum penalties for felony animal abuse cases.
Organizers will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, across from the New Hanover County Courthouse, 316 Princess St. Protesters are invited to bring their dogs.
Simpson is expected to appear at 2:15 p.m. Organizers are asking participants who enter the courtroom not to bring Justice for Axel T-shirts or signs.
Send comments and tips to Benjamin Schachtman at ben@localvoicemedia.com, @pcdben on Twitter, and (910) 538-2001.
