Mesa woman kept journal depicting torture, killing of dogs: police
(NOTE: This story contains graphic details that some may find unsettling. Discretion is advised)
MESA, Ariz. - A Mesa woman who allegedly detailed the torture and killing of dogs in her journal has been arrested.
Mesa Police say their investigation into 42-year-old Brook Scalero began in early June, when "Paws Fur the Cause" reported that Scalero agreed to pay $500 for a 3-year-old Maltese mix named Pepe.
"The organization allowed Scalero to leave with the dog under the pretense that she would pay for him that night, but she never followed through," police said.
On Oct. 5, officers responded to the VCA Animal Hospital for reports of a dead dog matching Pepe's description. The dog's microchip confirmed that it wasn't Pepe, but it was Griffin, another dog who was registered to Scalero. Police say the dog "had injuries consistent with animal abuse."
Brook Scalero
Investigators learned Scalero's roommate owned a dog named Gus, who ultimately died under Scalero's watch. A journal allegedly belonging to Scalero that detailed the torture of more than 10 dogs was turned into police.
"When Scalero left the residence, her roommate found her journal amongst other personal items," police said. "The journal documented the death of Gus."
On Nov. 15, a dead dog was found behind a bush near 8th Avenue and Extension Road. The dog's microchip confirmed it was Pepe.
"When Pepe was taken, I knew something horrible happened," said Ally Zacovic with Paws Fur The Cause. "I felt it in my gut."
Journal includes graphic descriptions
We obtained one page of the journal, confirmed by Mesa Police, detailing what happened to Pepe. The journal reads:
"He was a three-year-old Maltese. I kept him one night and killed him the next day. He tries to pull away, but I don't let him. Instead, I choke him out by strangling him over and over again."
Scalero’s journal also states that she left Pepe in her hot car for several hours, before placing him behind a bush by her house. It was those disturbing details that led to Pepe’s discovery.
"A woman from the Facebook post kind of followed the journal entry where she mentioned that he was still in a bush nearby," said Zacovic.
Court documents also reveal another journal entry about a dog named Griffin. That dog was allegedly strangled and left in a hot car, and police say he had injuries consistent with animal abuse.
Meanwhile, another entry describes a "Gus" who died at the vet's office after heavy bleeding.
Suspect admitted to involvement
Scalero was arrested on unrelated charges. When asked about the journal, she confirmed it was hers but claimed the stories were "creative writings." Police say Scalero also admitted to taking Pepe without paying for him.
On Monday, she was interviewed again by police and allegedly admitted to her involvement in the deaths of Pepe, Griffin and Gus.
Scalero reportedly has a lengthy record in and out of jail. She was booked into jail and is accused of animal cruelty and theft charges.
"She talked a lot about the pleasure that she got from torturing these animals, and I want her prosecuted," said Zacovic. "Like, full extent."