CLARKSTON, Mich. – A 32-year-old Independence man has been charged with murder and torturing an animal for allegedly killing his wife and the family dog in their home.
Joseph Gabriel Mauti was arraigned Monday on the charges.
His 30-year-old wife, Lindsey, was found dead Friday evening in their home on Cheshire Park by Oakland County deputies who had gone to check her after she didn't show up at work.
Deputies said Joseph Mauti and the couple's two children, ages 2 and 6, were found unharmed in the home.
Prosecutors said Joseph Mauti confessed to killing his wife and the dog with a baseball bat.
The children have been placed with other family members.
The sheriff's office said Joseph Mauti was convicted of domestic violence in 2014 and was on probation at the time of the alleged killings.