MILFORD (WWJ/AP) – Police say a 58-year-old Oakland County woman has admitted to beating her husband and dog with a crowbar to put “them out of their misery.”
Yvonne Cortis was arraigned Wednesday by video from jail on charges of attempted murder and animal torture. Bond was set at $1 million.
Authorities said Yvonne Cortis admitted her role in the attack Monday night. She said her 68-year-old husband, Greg, and dog, an 11-year-old golden retriever named Carley, were sick and suffering. According to reports, Greg Cortis has Alzheimer’s Disease.
Milford Police Detective Sergeant Scott Tarasiewicz said the family indicated that this may not have been the first case of domestic violence. Court officials say Yvonne Cortis has a history of mental illness.
Investigators say Yvonne Cortis called 911 around 11:30 p.m. Monday and reported that a man and a dog were inside the home with serious injuries caused by her. Officers arrived on the scene to find Yvonne Cortis out by the road and Greg Cortis unconscious on the floor of the family room next to his dog; both were suffering from obvious significant injuries to the head and torso areas.
Greg Cortis remains on life support. Carley was taken to a vet for treatment and is expected to recover.
“The dog is being cared for by a local veterinarian. They’ve been very gracious and they’ve decided to pick up all the medical costs associated with the dog,” said Tarasiewicz. “So, everyone is doing their part to make sure this family is helped out as much as they can in this situation.”
If convicted as charged, Yvonne Cortis faces up to life in prison.
An investigation is ongoing.
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