Three dogs seek new homes after Northland triple homicide. Are you their future family?
Jodie Hopcus, 49, Sherri Duncan, 73, and Hailey Hopcus, 24, were fatally shot in their home in the 4100 block of Northwest 65th Street early Feb. 2. A fourth family member, Jodie Hopcus' daughter Angel, survived the shooting.
Hopcus' ex-boyfriend, Armando Navarro Jr., who also lived in the home, has been arrested and charged with the three murders, as well as with fatally shooting one of the family dogs. He is being held without bond, and Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd is currently considering the death penalty.
The survivor told investigators that Navarro and her mother had fought for about an hour before Navarro allegedly attacked family members with a gun and knife. Zahnd described the triple homicide as 'one of the worst crimes that I have prosecuted in my 22 years of prosecution.'
After the shooting, the family's three surviving dogs were taken in by the Animal Services Division of the Kansas City Pet Project. All friendly, social and housebroken, the three dogs are currently at the shelter and looking for new homes.
Lilly May, a 4 1/2-year-old dog with huge brown eyes and high spirits, is one of the victims' beloved pets looking for a new family.
A master of tricks such as 'sit and shake,' Lilly May loves playing fetch and is well-trained to take long walks on a leash, Kansas City Pet Project staff wrote on Facebook. She would do well in a home with other dogs, shelter staff wrote, as long as they have calm demeanors.
'Lilly May is the ultimate 'move-in ready' dog!' shelter staff wrote.
Three-year-old Duncan, a jowly black-and-white gentleman with floppy ears, is also seeking new companions. KCPP staff describe Duncan as 'a calm, reserved gentleman with a gentle soul.'
Like his siblings, Duncan is trained to respond to various commands and would take well to the company of other dogs, according to staff.
'His tail perks up at the thought of a walk and his sweet kisses will steal your heart,' shelter staff wrote.
Also looking for love: 5 1/2-year-old Milo, a loyal black Lab with a jaunty tail and a passion for tennis balls.
Milo has epilepsy, which is easily managed with twice-daily medication, according to KCPP staff. Life at KC Pet Project has been a rough transition for the gentle giant, who is currently in a foster home. However, staff are confident that Milo's snuggly, exuberant personality will shine through in a loving home, ideally with other dogs.
'He's stressed in the shelter, but we know he's a cherished pet who just wants to be back in a home where he can play with tennis balls and snuggle,' KCPP staff wrote on Facebook.
Those interested in learning more about Lilly May, Duncan and Milo can visit the KC Pet Project website or stop by the shelter from noon to 6 p.m. daily. On Wednesdays, dogs weighing 20 pounds or more are free to adopt at KCPP's downtown and Zona Rosa campuses.
Funeral services for the family will be Feb. 28, and a fundraiser benefiting Angel, the surviving daughter, has raised more than $26,000 as of Wednesday night.
Previous reporting by The Star's Noelle Alviz-Gransee contributed to this article.
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