Crime & Safety

Independence Twp. Accused of Killing Wife, Dog With Baseball Bat

Joseph Gabriel Mauti was charged Monday with murder and animal cruelty in the incident.

An Independence Township man is accused of killing his wife and the family dog with a baseball bat in their home, according to a WDIV-TV report.

Joseph Gabriel Mauti, 32, was arraigned Monday on charges of murder and torturing an animal in connection with the killings, the report stated. Mauti also confessed to the killings, according to prosecutors. Mauti was on probation in connection with a 2014 domestic violence conviction, the report added.

Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies found Lindsey Mauti, 30, dead Friday in the couple’s home, the report stated. The deputies also found the couple’s two children, who were unharmed, the report added. The children, ages 2 and 6, are currently with other family members, according to the report.

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