A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Colorado dog breeder whose body was found last week, but the whereabouts of the breeder’s missing Doberman puppies remain unknown, according to authorities.
Arrest Made in Connection with Breeder’s Death
Sergio Ferrer, 36, was taken into custody on August 24, just hours after the body of Paul Peavey, 57, was discovered on his property in the mountains west of Denver. The Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office initially identified Ferrer as a person of interest in Peavey’s death but arrested him on an unrelated warrant for failing to appear in court in Nebraska on a weapons charge.
On Friday, the sheriff’s office announced that enough evidence had been gathered to recommend charges against Ferrer, including first-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated robbery. The Clear Creek County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Peavey had been shot.
Puppies Still Missing Amid Investigation
While Ferrer is now facing charges related to Peavey’s death, the fate of the missing Doberman puppies remains a mystery. Authorities have not disclosed whether Ferrer is suspected of stealing the puppies or if there is any known motive for the killing.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Jenny Fulton declined to comment on the possible connection between the puppies’ disappearance and Peavey’s murder, stating that the investigation is ongoing. As many as 10 Doberman puppies are still missing from Peavey’s property.
Breeder Community Mourns Loss
Peavey was a well-known breeder of European Dobermans, a breed known for being more muscular and protective compared to their American counterparts. Fellow breeder Meredith Mazutis, who mentored Peavey, described him as a happy and trusting individual. Mazutis said Peavey was selling his puppies for $4,500 each, reflecting their high value.
Mazutis, who had sold Peavey some of the dogs he bred, noted that his adult dogs were locked in the camper where Peavey lived and were unable to protect him during the incident. She has offered to take the dogs back to her home once they are released by investigators.
