Demand Justice in Animal Cruelty Case against Joe Olunwa

We will peacefully demonstrate during the trial for the animal cruelty case filed against Joseph Olunwa, at the District Court of Maryland in Towson, MD.

What we will have:

• Large picket signs that can be shared by participants (11 in total)
• Megaphone/loud speaker to make sure we are heard
• TV News crews covering the event live
• Police presence
• Access to the courthouse restrooms

What you should bring:

• Sun protection (hat, umbrella, sunscreen, etc.)
• Consider making a sign, anything from a simple poster board to a full-size picket sign with a handle
• Friends! We need a large group and there is plenty of room in the area

What you should know:

• We are protesting peacefully and lawfully. Participants are not to interfere with court business, sidewalk access, street traffic, or law enforcement. We're in regular contact with the police and they have been helpful and supportive. Police will be present on the day of the event with a focus on safety and keeping the TV news crews out of the street. If you can't return the respect and courtesy they have shown us, stay home.
• You will have access to the courthouse, including to use the restrooms or get out of the sun for a few minutes. Keep in mind that the courthouse is a controlled area, you are subject to search/metal detectors, and signs are not permitted in the courthouse. Again, these staff are professionals and you are expected to return the respect and cooperation they have shown us.
• Parking is available in the public garage directly next to the courthouse. See the Library Parking Garage page for more information, including rates.
• We will organize in front of the main entrance on E Chesapeake Ave. When facing the entrance, we'll be on the sidewalk to the left of the entrance, near Virginia Ave.

Background about the case:

The alleged crime was brutal in nature and captured on camera. As a result of State Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger's failures to prosecute appropriately and expediently, multiple petitions online were initiated to demand justice.

Finally, more than 2 months after the alleged crime, petition efforts resulted in authorities arresting Joe Olunwa.

Furthermore, the victim family alleges that they have been regularly harassed by Joe Olunwa and his wife, resulting in them being granted a peace order on June 14, 2024.

Note that Joseph Olunwa failed to appear in court on May 29, 2024 and June 7, 2024, seemingly without consequence.

For more information about the case, see the following resources:
WMAR2 Baltimore news coverage: https://www.wmar2news.com/local/animal-cruelty-caught-on-camera-has-a-family-fearing-for-their-cats-life

In Defense of Animals' petition "Demand Justice for Cat Stoned Almost to Death by Cruel Neighbor": https://www.idausa.org/campaign/justice-for-animals/latest-news/demand-justice-for-cat-stoned-almost-to-death-by-cruel-neighbor/

Animal Victory's petition "Arrest and Charge Man for Brutalizing Neighbor's Kitten with Rocks": https://animalvictory.org/petition/sign-hold-man-accountable-for-brutalizing-neighbors-kitten-with-rocks/

Animal Victory's letter dated August 1, 2024 asking Scott Shellenberger to upgrade these charges to felony class: https://animalvictory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Letter-to-State-Attorney-Scott-Shellenberger.pdf

Police report #241440196: https://animalvictory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PR-No.-241440196-Cruelty-to-Animals-Grayson.pdf

Court case D-08-CR-24-002175 can be searched at: https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/inquiry-search.jsp

All suspects are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.