03-06-2025
Defendant in ‘Reba' dog death wants trial moved from Las Vegas due to media buzz
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A man accused of leaving a dog to die inside a sealed plastic tub in the summer heat wants his trial to happen outside of Las Vegas because of the intense media coverage, documents said.
On July 26, 2024, Las Vegas Metro police officers found the English bulldog, later named 'Reba,' in the 1100 block of East Twain Avenue next to a dumpster inside a tote that was taped shut. The temperature that night hovered around 110 degrees. The National Weather Service reported a high of 111 for the evening.
Reba died the next day. Her death made national headlines as people called for 'Justice for Reba.' Last December, police arrested Issac Laushaul Jr., 32; and Markeisha Foster, 30, on animal abuse charges. A grand jury later voted to indict them on similar charges.
Laushaul and Foster's trial was scheduled to begin later this month, however, an attorney for Laushaul filed paperwork asking a judge to move the case from Clark County.
'The media has followed this case/story extensively,' Laushaul's attorney wrote in court documents filed May 16, citing 8 News Now's reporting. 'Media coverage has included photographs, articles all about 'Reba,' interviews with individuals who know the defendant, coverage of in-court proceedings, pending motions, comments by prosecutors, police, and defense attorneys, and interviews and analyses of veterinarians as to 'how this could have all happened.''
News coverage of Reba's death began in the months after Laushaul and Foster allegedly left her in the heat, as police released video footage of their suspects.
The May 16 filing indicates Laushaul and his attorney believe they will be unable to find an impartial jury.
[T]he media attention on this case began even prior to the location and arrests of the co-defendants,' Laushaul's attorney said. 'Since that time, the publicity surrounding the case has been sensational, constant and prejudicial. Media coverage has included front page pictures, feature stories, in-depth analyses about how the legislature should increase the penalties for animal-related crimes.'
Prosecutors oppose the venue change, writing, 'The mere existence of publicity does not require a trial to be moved.'
While not asking for a venue change, Foster's attorney asked the judge to sever her case from Laushaul's.
Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel was scheduled to hear arguments on both issues Wednesday.
Before a trial, lawyers for the defendant and prosecutors go through a process called 'voir dire,' where they pick a jury. Each side can reject a certain number of potential jurors until the panel is filled.
Foster and Laushaul remained in custody Friday. A judge previously set Foster's bail at $50,000 and declined to set bail for Laushaul.
Nevada Republican Assem. Melissa Hardy proposed 'Reba's Bill' to strengthen penalties against animal abusers in the wake of Reba's death. The bill had not passed the Legislature as of Monday, the final day of the session.
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