No Criminal Charges Will Be Filed Against Cocoa Police After Death of K-9 ‘Zena’
By Space Coast Daily // May 19, 2022
Zena was two-years old
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The State Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit announced on Thursday that they will not file criminal charges against Cocoa PD for the death of K-9 ‘Zena’.
“Our office like many others, were deeply saddened at the loss of Cocoa Police K-9 “Zena”, said State Attorney Phil Archer.
“Police K-9’s serve a vital role in protecting the citizens of their community, along with their law enforcement partners. We know that every effort is made by agencies and handlers to ensure their well-being in what is often a dangerous, and difficult assignment.
After subjecting the criminal investigation conducted by the Melbourne Police Department to a thorough review, our office did not elect to file a criminal charge.”
Based on the totality of the evidence and unfortunate circumstances that led to the K-9’s death, authorities do not believe that prosecution of Officer Robin Viera-Gonzalez was warranted.
Officer Viera-Gonzalez was removed from the Cocoa PD K-9 unit and will no longer serve in that capacity.
K-9 Zena was discovered dead in the back of her patrol vehicle in June of last year
Her handler found her when he went to check on her during a training class at the Criminal Justice Academy in Melbourne.
