The death of a beloved family pet has led to the arrest of a former Florida police officer, after investigators alleged he deliberately poisoned the animal while its owner was away on vacation. The case has shocked local residents and animal lovers alike, raising renewed concerns about intentional cruelty toward companion animals.
Authorities say Edwin Campuzano, 22, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty in connection with the death of Milo, a three-year-old Maltese poodle belonging to his then-girlfriend, Paula Fernandez. According to investigators, the incident occurred in May 2025 while Fernandez was visiting California, leaving Milo at home in the care of someone she believed she could trust.
Fernandez later recalled receiving a phone call from a neighbor informing her that Milo had suddenly died. She said the news was devastating, explaining that she had said goodbye to the dog before boarding her flight and that he had appeared perfectly healthy. Looking back, she told reporters she never suspected anything was wrong in her relationship with Campuzano, except for one detail that now haunts her—he never seemed to like Milo.
The investigation began after the neighbor reportedly noticed unusual pellets inside the dog’s food bowl. Fernandez preserved the suspected evidence and photographed it before seeking advice, eventually learning that the pellets appeared to be a type of rodent poison. Months later, while reviewing Campuzano’s credit card transactions, she discovered a charge of $8.01 at a local farm supply store. Curious about the purchase, she visited the store, where investigators say employees located a receipt showing the purchase of gopher poison for the exact same amount.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the poison had allegedly been purchased just two days before Fernandez left town. Detectives used the information gathered during the investigation to obtain an arrest warrant, leading to Campuzano’s arrest earlier this year.
Sheriff Chad Chronister described the alleged act as deliberate and carefully planned, saying investigators believe the suspect knew the family would be away and that the dog would be left alone. He also stated that Campuzano showed no remorse following his arrest and made no statement to investigators.
Campuzano was employed by the Bartow Police Department at the time of the alleged incident but is no longer with the agency. The criminal charge against him carries serious legal consequences if proven in court.
For Fernandez, however, the case is about much more than a criminal investigation. She says Milo was a cherished member of her family, and she hopes sharing his story will encourage stronger protection for animals and greater awareness of the devastating impact that acts of cruelty can have on both pets and their owners.
Animal Welfare and the Fight Against Pet Abuse
Animal welfare organizations say intentional poisoning remains one of the most difficult forms of animal abuse to investigate because evidence can disappear quickly without prompt veterinary examination. Experts encourage pet owners to seek immediate veterinary care whenever poisoning is suspected and to report any signs of abuse to local authorities. Advances in forensic veterinary science are also helping investigators identify toxic substances more accurately, allowing prosecutors to build stronger cases against those accused of harming animals.
Leave a Reply