In May 2024, home security video showed a neighbor in Owings Mills repeatedly hurling rocks under a parked car, directly at 1-year-old Grayson, a friendly companion cat who was terrified and trying to hide. Grayson’s guardian rushed him for emergency care. You answered our call, demanded action, and helped finally spur an eventual arrest.

As pressure mounted, officers arrested 37-year-old Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa in late July 2024. Despite the evidence and widespread outrage, prosecutors only pursued a misdemeanor. We called that decision unacceptable and urged State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger to pursue an upgraded felony charge.

What the Court Did & Why It Wasn’t Justice

On Sept. 16, 2024, Olunwa received only six months of unsupervised probation and a $500 fine, no jail time, after the case proceeded on an agreed statement of facts in District Court. This result trivialized a violent attack and failed to deter future cruelty.

Why So Weak?

The State charged the lower-level misdemeanor instead of aggravated animal cruelty. That choice constrained the court’s penalty options from the start. We condemned the outcome and renewed our call for stronger charging and sentencing in Maryland animal-cruelty cases.

What We Built Together

Working alongside Grayson’s guardian, supporters rallied in extraordinary numbers. You sent messages, shared our updates, and kept this case in the public eye. Together with Animal Victory, we compiled and delivered more than 30,000 signatures and an evidence packet to support the prosecution. Evidence showed Grayson was struck with rocks again and again, causing lasting harm, yet the case still ended with probation and a fine. Public outrage is justified, and your continued engagement matters.

How Grayson Is Doing

This spring, one year and two months into his healing journey, Grayson’s guardian, Selaya Smithery, told us he still suffers from chronic upper respiratory infections that require recurring antibiotics. Even so, his personality shines. Grayson races through his tunnel, plays tag with Selaya and her mom, and curls up in his heated bed. We’re holding Grayson and his family close and will keep standing with them.

Write & Protest: State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger & Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Walsh

It is too late to change this sentence. Please note that it is a district attorney’s job to fight on behalf of the victims of crime. A defense attorney is not going to argue for a harsher punishment, so when the district attorney suggests a ridiculously lenient sentence, the judge’s hands are tied. In this case, the judge reportedly shook his head in disbelief.

Please write directly to condemn the plea decision and demand stronger charges in future animal cruelty cases.

Contact State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger & Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Walsh 

Email (use both names in the subject so it is routed correctly):
 
statesattorney@baltimorecountymd.gov

Phone (direct line): 410-887-6600

Mail: State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger & Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Walsh 
 Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office
 401 Bosley Ave., Towson, MD 21204

Sample Messages for Phone & Email (please tweak to be in your own words):

Phone script (quick):

“Hello, my name is [name] from [city]. I am calling to condemn State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger and Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Walsh for the handling of State v. Joseph Olunwa. On Sept. 16, 2024, the defendant received six months of unsupervised probation and a $500 fine for a violent attack on a cat. Please record my complaint and urge both prosecutors to file aggravated animal-cruelty charges when supported by evidence and to seek probation terms that ban custody or control of animals.”

Sample email (short):

Subject: Complaint About SA Shellenberger and ASA Walsh in Grayson Case

I am appalled by the probation-only outcome in State v. Joseph Olunwa on Sept. 16, 2024. Please explain why aggravated animal-cruelty charges were not filed and commit to a public policy to pursue felony charges when supported by evidence, along with standard probation terms that ban custody or control of animals. I request a response describing what policy or training changes you will implement.

Report Misconduct & Protest

Note that you are not alone. Grayson’s guardian also filed a complaint. If you believe an attorney’s conduct violated professional responsibilities, which we certainly do in this case, please file a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland. Bar complaints do not change a sentence, but they allow the public to protest attorney behavior.

• Email: complaints@agc.maryland.gov
• Phone: 410-514-7051
• Mail: Office of Bar Counsel

200 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Suite 300
Annapolis, MD 21401

Sample Message (please alter to be in your own words):

Sample Messages for Phone & Email (please tweak to be in your own words):

Phone script (quick):

I am appalled by the probation-only outcome in State v. Joseph Olunwa on Sept. 16, 2024. I am disgusted that aggravated animal-cruelty charges were not filed, and I hope the DA's office will commit to a public policy to pursue felony charges when supported by evidence, along with standard probation terms that ban custody or control of animals. I request a response describing what policy or training changes you will implement.

Sample Message (please alter to be in your own words):

Subject Line: Complaint Concerning State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger and Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Walsh, Baltimore County SAO

To the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland,

I submit this complaint regarding State’s Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger and Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander Walsh of the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Matter: State v. Joseph Olunwa, Baltimore County District Court, sentencing on Sept. 16, 2024. 

Facts: Security video documented the defendant throwing rocks at Grayson, a companion cat, causing serious harm. Despite incriminating evidence and significant public concern, Mr. Walsh offered a misdemeanor plea that resulted in six months of unsupervised probation and a $500 fine. The case proceeded on an agreed statement of facts.

Basis for complaint: I believe the plea decision and handling of this matter undermined public trust in the fair prosecution of violent animal cruelty and may reflect a failure to exercise appropriate prosecutorial judgment. While I understand that bar complaints do not change sentences, I ask the Commission to review whether professional responsibilities were met and whether guidance or corrective action is warranted.

Requested outcome: Review of the conduct described, and any appropriate recommendations to ensure animal cruelty is prosecuted consistent with the seriousness of the offense, including consideration of aggravated animal cruelty charges where supported by evidence and meaningful probation conditions such as bans on custody or control of animals.

Sincerely,
 [Your full name]
 [Mailing address]
 [Phone]
 [Email]

Keep Up the Good Work

Thank you for speaking up. If you cannot give today, your messages and shares and alert and petition signs are incredibly impactful, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.