Ernest Dempsey — The execution of the death-row dog Tony in Clifton, Arizona, has caused an outrage on social media, primarily on 
Facebook, where voices supportive of Tony are asking for dismissal of the concerned judge—Grace Nabor—from her position. A petition has also been launched against the said judge whose decision to deny an appeal of Tony’s stay of execution is being seen as senseless and outrageous.
Accused of killing a small dog in the neighborhood, in November last year, Tony was declared dangerous and the matter went to the court. There was not enough evidence to prove that Tony either killed the smaller dog or that Tony was a threat to the public. On the contrary, the vet who examined the fatally injured dog reported that it had been killed by deep puncture wounds. Now this something Tony couldn’t have done because, as his owner argued, of his broken teeth. For this reason, Tony’s owner and supporters were hoping that a stay of execution will be granted so as to allow a thorough investigation of the case before a final conclusion is drawn.
However, on June 18, Judge Grace Nabor ignored the need for acting considerately in this case and simply ordered Tony to be euthanized. The owner family, amidst tears of helplessness and loss, were allowed a moment to say the final goodbye to Tony, and he was executed shortly afterward. The picture of Tony’s owner giving him the last hug brought many supporters to tears. Can justice be that killingly cruel?
Tony’s execution not only gave his family and supporters to grief but aroused in them an outrage against the position of authority which did the very opposite of serving justice. Will the children in the family ever be able to trust or respect a judge again? Maybe not, neither will those thousands of voices that had been crying for a fair trial. Now these voices are asking for Judge Grace Nabor’s removal. As some of Tony’s supporters on Facebook noted, the said judge is an elected official and may not even know enough about what law requires or what justice demands. Since she was elected by these people, how could she ignore their voices, sentiments, and their trust in her?
The petition launched for removal of Grace Nabor can be signed online at http://www.causes.com/causes/784419-test-campaigns/actions/1661799 and it seeks 50, 000 signatures in the next 50 days. Tony is gone, but not forgotten, and those who did him wrong may see it one day and hopefully will realize that killing a helpless animal is infinitely far from acting humanely and serving justice
I am of the opinion this judge thinks she is safe and rather above it all. She indicates through her behavior that she cares nothing whatsoever about 34,000 signed petitions, that she will do what she wants, completely ignoring “we the people.” With her refusal to release the dog’s remains to his family for burial, she has added insult to injury. Cruelty and monumental arrogance.
I agree!So often in small towns the criminal justice agencies (courts, prosecutors, police, corrections) think they are above it all! Of course Indianapolis Police think so too! It is time we deal with corruption in our justice system across the board!People need to VOTE!!!! and not on party lines but know the issues and vote for the person who matches your beliefs.
yes..indeed. trash. it is what it is. hiding behind her true TROLL self as she flops on the bench. gross.
You are correct. I hate the so-called judges and any other people that ignore the public incases like this. I hope that come election time, people remember what she did to this wonderful dog and perhaps she has done it to others as well. She will do it again to someone elses pet.
I agree with your opinion. There is too much of this crap going on and the wrong people are in power. She has no right refusing to release the Tony’s remains to his loving family. Hope she has no pets of any kind. She is just too cruel and unjust to own any.
Please let me know if his remains are released to the family.
Friends and family were horrified as we sat by our computers waiting to learn the hearing had gone well and, the case would be “stayed” until Superior Court Judge Monica Stauffer returned from being away for 10 days. Michelle’s lawyer had filed the stay the preceding Friday to be sure they would not run into the “there is no more time” thing. Around 8am on Monday, that is, basically, what they were told. And, from what I understand, Judge Grace Nabors told the lawyer and family to go ahead and take it to the Supreme Court knowing full well that Tony was to die that morning and denied the stay. We, truly, didn’t think he was in danger that day as the paperwork had been presented and, since, he had been in Animal Control for 7 months, we thought he was good for another 10 days until Judge Monica Stauffer returned.
From what I found out, in Arizona they permit almost anyone to be a Justice of the Peace. Too, they do not require a law degree to become a Judge. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, Judge Grace Nabor is NOT a lawyer and should not be allowed to make life and death decisions. In my opinion, because of Tony’s confinement, his death is worse than a pet being gunned down on the street. We are, absolutely, HORRIFIED! I have been very close to this situation since last November when Tony was first apprehended or, should I say……torn from his home. If anyone wants more details of the story, please email me at Superdottie@msn.com In addition to signing this Petition, I am, presently, filling out a HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A JUDGE provided on the web by the State of Arizona, Commission on Judicial Conduct, 1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 229, Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. We have appreciated your helo so much, Ernest and that of the Lexus Project. Thank You so much. — Dottie
Tony deserved better; shame on you.
Grace Nabor snickered and smiled in court while the Attorney fought hard to get the case heard by a higher court. Unprofessional, cruel and she needs to go.
This judge is a disgrace to the judicial system, judges should be fair, impartial, and most importantly UN-BIASED, Judges work for the people where as this one is a disgrace to the people….I believe an impeachment is in order!!!!
People do not get convicted and punished during the process if there is ‘reasonable doubt’. It should be the same for animals. A distraught owner having lost an animal wants to place blame somewhere and there could have been any number of dogs out and about that the owner never saw. There was not enough to prove poor Tony killed this dog. The other side of it is ‘they are dogs’….some dogs fight, some hate other dogs…doesnt mean first offense should bring execution to the dog, a beloved family member. This is all wrong!!
Nabor is, in my opinion, a small town piece of trash on a power trip. Hopefully she will learn the lesson abusing her “power”. This isn’t the first time this Justice of the Peace (though she is anything but) had courted controversy, indeed a few years ago she was accused or racially motivated ruling (see here http://www.topix.com/forum/city/clifton-az/TBG2II01MQKQ6QR4D – 2nd post).
If I was a betting man I would put a wager on this JP being corrupt, nose to the trough, that is how strong my opinion of her is.
Don’t vote this judge into office next time.
Lost for words. This is sickening.
I have no words for the disgust I feel at this parody of justice.
This was wrong, get this judge off the bench! Now!
Judicial legislating at its worst…horrible excuse for a judge
This judge is abusing her powers and not following proper or reasonable proccedure according to legal guidelines. She needs to be removed from her position immediately !!! What she did to Tony and his family is totally inhumane and ruthless!!
Shame on this judge for not looking at all the facts! Tony should NOT have been killed!
We have got to try and stop this happening ……. how sick
I hope this haunts her for the rest of her life. You cannot indiscriminately go around killing animals because of what you think they look like. A judge is supposed to be someone you respect and look up to but in this case she disgusts me.
There was a Prosecutor who played a big part in Tony’s execution. It was done on her recommendations. She appeared at the hearing for Tony less an hour before the sentence was carried through. She is from the DA’s office in Clifton. I don’t think we know who issued the order to abduct Tony from his own home two days after the little dog was fatally injured. But, I think, it was the combination of Judge Grace Nabor and her co-hort. It could be that the Police Department could enlighten us on who issued the initial orders. And Clifton Animal Shelter although they were kind in the last days.
You are saying that she’s NOT a judge, oh dear god Tony’s life was placed in the hands of a murderer. I refuse to address her an honorable. And since this has allegedly surfaced she’s not a real judge then I will refer to her as grace and nothing more
This is evil. This dog did nothing and that is a proven fact. Fire this woman. She is a sick, inhumane person with an intelliegnce problem. Some of the people in this world!!
Exactly. No matter what others may say on here, or any other site…it’s simply propaganda from the judge’s side of things. I simply comsider the source when it comes from those people(for lack of a better word). NOW, THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT, SO, THIS ANIMAL CANNOT SPEAK FOR ITSELF AND THOSE POOR PPL IN THAT TOWN IN AZ. WHO SUPPORT HER TO HER FACE…I’M SURE CANNOT STAND HER. SHE DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH CLASS TO MAKE ME HATE HER. PRETTY SOON I’M SURE SHE WILL BE PITTIED BY MANY. SICK.
This story is inaccurately reported. The report is one sided. Veterinarians and other professionals shouldn’t be quoted in articles without directly speaking to them.
Feel free to express the other side of the story, but be sure it’s factual. Which “professionals” were quoted without having been spoken to? Needless to point out that it’s rather challenging to quote someone without actually speaking with them. It would be helpful if you would state what you know, and how you know it, since “hearsay” is not valuable to this situation whatsoever.
Gee Jennifer having known the owner for many years and hearing lots of storys about Tony and the other pets that she owns I have never heard of any problems with viciousness from any of them. I wonder what other veterinarian and professionals you refer to. Tony wasnt examined by a vet, the vet who saw the dog that died couldnt save her because of “deep puncture wounds”. With Tony having broken teeth it woulb be a very difficult if not impossible thing for him to inflict deep puncture wounds. People who were in the courtroom have reported what was said. Why you would attack without knowledge of this case confounds me. Could it be that you just are saying this because Tony was part Pit Bull? Are you prejudiced against a specific breed so you attack one poor dog who you have no knowledge of. An animal died with no proof of guilt. Who will be next.
Have you nothing better to do than take a dog away from a loving family, this is the most sickening story ever!! How about spending money on removing, criminals and retrobates from your province and leave innocent families and their pets alone!! SHAME ON YOU !!!
Sick ****!!! What a disgusting humanbeing (I’m sure she at least thinks she’s one)go to hell you ignorant, incompetent, evil troll.
this is an outrage that animals do not have a say we need to stop the insanity fo putting any amimals to sleep
A judge with no heart, a D.A. who is “tired” of this case. Owners who know their loved family member was physically incapable of commiting this crime. ONE neighbor who was paid restitution but still wanted blood. Tony slept with kittens, put up with having to wear reindeer horns and various headgear on holidays, lived in a multi pet home, slept on his daddys lap, loved to go camping, although 8 years old had never been accused of being vicious or attacking other animals, one of his favorite foods was Macaroni and Cheese this was their idea of a dangerous animal. When his owner went to say goodbye a friend with her children was there and Tony wanted to play and love on the kids the picture would break your heart, it did mine. The little boy asked his mom if after Tony is put to sleep will he come back. What a way for a child to learn about “justice”.
http://www.co.greenlee.az.us/courts/justice1.aspx,
In case any of u wanna tell ur Mind to that so called Judge who murdered Tony, to so called Grace Nabor
Beautifully said Diana smoot. Another example that most amazed me about tony I did take the time to look at every photo almost studying them. Even the ones at his camping trips. Did you notice how tony never had to be tied up or tethered. He stayed with his family. This was a well learned-behaved pet and well under control. I feel that this “non judge” did not have the caring ability to review these photos. Photos are worth a million and says it all
Tony did not seem or look like a mean dog. He looked very friendly, even in the pictures of the morning of. Shame on you, Grace Nabor.
This story has broke my heart, made me ashamed that I was born, and raised, in Arizona, and have lost what little faith I had left in the judicial system! I have been following the story, viewed all of his pictures on his mom’s FB page and can not for the life of me believe that this happened. I can not get this sweet baby our of my mind, and hope the “judge” is relieved of her duties. Surely this is not the type of person we want sitting on the bench. Next time friends it could be any one of our furbabies! Do not sit by, take action!
I am listening, Jennifer. What is the other side of the story. What veterinarian, what other professionals. Please feel free to email me.
Tony so sorry that even the hights judge let you and your family down.May you RIP with God and all the other animals that die for all the wrong in the humans hands,, But God reach down and toke you in to his arms and made you safe again, be free now and Happy .Because down here for all animals it HELL
As i read all these comments, i must add he not only chased our family,including kids,he roamed freely in our neighborhood and often jumped our fence and got our dog pregnant. I think the owners should have been more responsible. Just a different view from a neighbor.
really? when was this and where do you live?
yeah right….are you trying to get your 15 minutes of fame here? And why the hell are you even here now? STFU and move on you heathen!
and…Tony was neutered so how the hell was he able to impregnate your dog? How lame! Why didn’t you spay or neuter YOUR DOG? Another brain dead BYB, perhaps? Your rhetorical vitriol stinks to high Heaven of fabrication so you can get your 15 minutes of fame!
Hi Neighborhood Watch! blah blah blah! hearsay! dont u realize why all over the usa places offer free spay and neuter? duh! u say it like since he was the male “HE” got your dog pregnant so it is somehow his fault! idiot!! i have no patience for ppl like u. chased ur family? why? what happened? i really want to know what happened when he “chased” ur family. did u ever try to talk with michelle? i bet ur family ran when they 1st saw the dog. a bit of education would tell u that if a dog is chasing u…u dont keep running…it’s their prey drive and it antagonizes the drive. what sort of set up did u have for your female dog in the fence? was she tethered? do u know what that means? it means tied up. if u dont want pups from a female dog…dont be a cheap ass and spay her. atleast u would have a leg to stand on when u complain and know that u have done YOUR part regardless what any other dog did, wether it jumped the fence or not. what breed did u have? it’s much healthier for your female to be spayed since it reduces cancer risks, etc. or are u one of those ppl who are cheap and expect any and every male dog to stay away when she’s in heat? do your part, hick. make sure ur hands are clean before u talk crap on another. still nobody’s gonna care what u have to say. it’s a tough world outside of your playpin of a town and nobody has the patience to even care what u say. sorry. lame!
This is a total outrage and this Judge should no longer have a job, what a disgraceful woman she must be. If she cannot be trusted with the truth in this case how can she ever be trusted, I hope she is removed from her position that would be Justice. Justice for this poor dog unfortunately did not happen, God Bless Him, and condolences to his family.
The Judge should be fired, whoever put this egocentic into a Judges seat should be put away for life too…. How can 34,000 peoples pettion be dismissed – does she think she is above the law and the people. Maybe she does not know the law then she is a danger to society.
We will fight until this DisGrace Nabor will be removed!!! Before there will be no rest !!!
She deserves the hell on earth !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a disgusting abuse of the law…this is just LAWFUL MURDER of an INNOCENT, yes INNOCENT dog,Tony…. i hope ms Nabor as i cannot and i will not call you a judge…you are not… i hope you rot for the pain and suffering you caused Tony and his family…. thankfully people like you,ms nabor cannot hurt Tony any more….. its a sick world we live in made even sicker by the evil you put upon an innocent dog…R I P Tony you are very loved and very missed xx run free sweet boy with all your angel furbabies xx
Judge Grace Nabor, you dont deserve to breath my air.
may she have her day with god, and have no good in her life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the record, Tony has been neutered for quite awhile by a doctor who FORGOT that he was her patient. There is no history of violence and there should be records at the office that Tony was dentally impaired and not even capable of inflicting injuries of the nature of which he was accused.
When are those humans who place so little value on the lives of dogs going to realise what amazing animals dogs are. They guide the blind, search for explosives, search for drugs, search for humans buried under rubble and avalanches. They work on farms, they guard us and our property, they are faithful companions to the lonely, they love to serve their owners. What do they ask in return, barely anything. There is something wrong with the likes of this judge, to kill a magnificent dog without actual evidence of any wrong doing is sick. I believe in karma, she will suffer the consequences, sadly it won’t bring Tony back.
I hate this disgusting woman to the bottom of my core. I would be happy to see her die. She is a sickening sadist!
Grace Nabor , you are an awful, awful, vile individual! How can your family even look at you?
This is so beyond disturbing and sad and it defies belief. I can barely find words. Not only did this witch order Tony killed, she also denied his family his remains. She, this (dis)grace doesn’t belong in a civilized world with decent human beings. I’m finding so many women, such as this excuse for a judge and a few others we have read about, are displaying a mean, uncaring attitude toward our animals. They have been giving a walk to abusers left and right. Poor innocent souls have no supporters except us. I wonder how this bitch could sit there and smirk and laugh while ordering this precious innocent dog’s death? Another thing, at least for me is if I were the Animal Control staff, I would have refused to murder this baby, whether it meant my job or not. Let “grace” do it. She’d no doubt get a kick out of that as well. As for the scum of a neighbour, I hope she’s pleased with herself at the misery and pain she caused. With another neighbour on here spewing her stories about Tony, sounds as if there was a vendetta against him and his family. What an awful bunch of so-called humans. To Tony’s family, I can only imagine your grief and sorrow. Just know that Tony knew you loved him and is watching over you. Rest in peace and play at the Rainbow Bridge, sweet innocent soul. You’re an angel now.
She is only an ‘elected official’……She can be voted out. She can be fired. I have heard more crap that goes on in Arizona…The laws need to be changed…Take this all the way to the Supreme Court. This has happened where I live too. It has to STOP!!! This country needs to go back to basics…and what is important in this life. I have sent this to all my friends…and Tony will NEVER be forgotten…Rest in peace baby…Your an angel now…
I signed the petition for her to be removed.. She is a murderer.. and I think the people in Arizona, need to march and picket outside that court house every day
I have no idea how anyone can be that cruel. I won’t even say how much I would enjoy sitting that Judge down and having a little heart to heart. She needs to be removed from here bench, and stripped of any state compensation or retirement. You are a murder, and that’s how your legacy will show.