Suspect charged with murder of Colorado dog breeder – but 10 puppies still missing

Sergio Ferrer, a 36-year-old Colorado man, has been charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated robbery in connection with the killing of a well-known dog breeder from the state. Despite his arrest, the breeder’s 10 missing Doberman puppies remain unaccounted for.

Paul Peavey, a 57-year-old breeder, was found dead at his home in Idaho Springs on August 24. Concerns were raised when Peavey hadn’t been seen or heard from since August 19. Following the discovery of his body, authorities launched a homicide investigation. The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office reported that 10 European Doberman puppies were missing from the property, which also served as Peavey’s dog breeding facility. However, three adult dogs were still at the home.

An affidavit was filed on Friday, charging Ferrer with the crime. He had already been arrested on unrelated charges the day Peavey’s body was found, due to his failure to appear in court for weapons charges in Nebraska.

Ferrer became a suspect in the murder when authorities received information suggesting that a family member of his was selling Doberman puppies on Facebook, as reported by The New York Times. The affidavit reveals that Ferrer admitted to shooting Peavey, claiming it was in self-defense during an altercation.

A search of Ferrer’s residence led to the discovery of several items that appeared to have been taken from Peavey’s home, including jewelry, a cellphone, and metal detectors. However, the missing puppies, believed to be as young as four weeks old, have not been located.

All of Peavey’s dogs had microchips, according to authorities. The investigation into Peavey’s death and the disappearance of the puppies is ongoing, and the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Peavey was a veteran dog breeder with over 40 years of experience, as noted on his website, Elite European Dobermans. He also volunteered by walking dogs at local rescue shelters. In 2019, Peavey posted a photo on Facebook with his dog Miley, who had just won best-of-breed at a competition.

“His dogs were his life. He had been through a lot in his personal life, and the dogs helped him cope,” Peavey’s friend Brice Boynton told Denver7.

Source : Independent By Rachel Sharp,Myriam Page.