Woman's Lost Dog Found Decapitated in Gruesome Atlanta Attack

Precious says the dog killed was her beloved pet Bambi, who she had been searching for since September 2024.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A gruesome attack in Atlanta left a woman's dog decapitated, with the suspect arrested after an hourslong SWAT standoff. The victim, Precious, says the dog killed was her lost pet Bambi, a small white dog she had been searching for since September 2024. Precious is heartbroken, saying Bambi was a sweet, non-vicious dog that she had adopted and let cuddle with her and her son.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the emotional toll on pet owners when a beloved animal goes missing, and the devastating consequences when they are harmed. It also raises questions about animal cruelty laws and whether more can be done to protect vulnerable pets in urban areas.

The details

Police were called to a northwest Atlanta home on Wednesday night after a neighbor saw a picture of a decapitated dog's head on social media. After an hourslong SWAT standoff, the suspect, Jalen Wade, was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, felony obstruction, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

  • Bambi went missing in September 2024.
  • The gruesome attack occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Precious

The owner of the dog, Bambi, who had been searching for her lost pet since September 2024.

Jalen Wade

The suspect arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, felony obstruction, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

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What they’re saying

“It's sad to see it because my dog was not vicious. She was not vicious at all. If he couldn't take care of her, he could've just taken her to animal control. It hurts my heart ... and it's crazy because I was looking for her. She's not vicious. She's a sweet dog. All she wanted to do was cuddle and get in the bed with me and my son. I let her do that because she's not vicious. She's a sweet dog and that's the reason why I adopted her.”

— Precious (11Alive)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Jalen Wade.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for stronger protections and support systems for pet owners whose animals go missing, as well as harsher penalties for acts of animal cruelty to deter such senseless violence against vulnerable pets.