To the Editor:

It seemed to me like the DA’s office and Assistant DA Jim Augustine were just going through the motions at the Aug. 8 hearing (regarding charges filed against North Catasauqua Police Officer Leighton Pursell in the death of the Newhart family’s cat, Sugar. See Catasauqua Press, Aug. 11, page 1).

Statements to investigators by neighbor Leinert saying the cat didn’t seem to be hurt so bad as to warrant her killing and Leinert telling Officer Pursell that he did not agree with the euthanasia and asking couldn’t something else be done – both these statements were ignored at the hearing and were not even brought up.

I had taken four pictures of Sugar and only one was entered in as evidence. Assistant DA Augustine did not question Pursell in regards to his accusations of hair loss. Had he done so, it would have shown Pursell to be lying on the stand because she had no hair loss.

Also, Pursell testified that he did have a dog catch leash/pole in his vehicle but did not even try to use it to capture Sugar. It must have seemed easier to kill her and throw her in a bag.

Also, Assistant DA Augustine had the opportunity to question (veterinarian) Dr. Stanglein as to his professional opinion on the (postmortem) X-rays taken and the physical examination. I stood with Dr. Stanglein in his exam room, and he told me it did not appear that Sugar had any broken bones and that he and I both could not find any open wounds or bruising on her body. Had the doctor been questioned on this, I think it would have shown Pursell to be lying about her being seriously injured.

Also, Pursell testified that he saw Sugar dragging her feet as she walked, but he also testified that after he arrived, he moved the grill she was hiding under and then walked back around to the front of the home to retrieve his revolver, and when he returned she was already about 40-50 feet away, sitting on wooden steps. So I ask, is Pursell Superman? Does he have some type of power to see through walls? She made her trek while Leinert went back into the home to console his family and Pursell was in front of the home. So how can Pursell even testify to supposed limping if he had walked to the front of the home? I suspect another lie to cover up his cruel act!

Also ignored at the hearing was the fact that even if Pursell felt euthanasia was warranted, a state law requires two corroborating witnesses, which Pursell did not have.

This was not even brought up by Assistant DA Augustine.

At the hearing, none of this was questioned. I even approached Assistant DA Jim Augustine on several occasions throughout the hearing to bring such items up and was just ignored. Way to go, DA Morganelli and his staff of cronies, for working hard for our tax dollars. Had the DA’s office and Assistant DA Augustine handled this case differently and actually paid attention at the hearing, I think Judge Taschner would have seen Pursell’s lies and Sugar might have had a chance for justice.

Thomas Newhart

North Catasauqua