In 2018, a crime occurred in a small suburb of Dallas, Texas, that caused many to form strong opinions. When 47-year-old Mary Harrison shot and killed her husband, she told police she did it because he was beating their family cat, Smokey. Smokey had been abused by Dexter – Harrison’s husband – on multiple occasions. One instance of abuse led to the cat running away; however, when he returned home, the abuse continued. This prompted Mary to take action and shoot her husband to protect Smokey.
Neighbors awoke to find their quiet street suddenly full of police cars. Mary explained to the officers that she was tired of watching her husband abuse her beloved pet Smokey. She feared he might also start using her, although he hadn’t done so before. They argued, and when he refused to stop hurting Smokey, she shot him several times.
The shooting occurred at the Harrisons’ home around 7 a.m., where their two teenage sons also lived, police said. When officers arrived, they found Dexter dead and Smokey with a broken jaw and ribs.
Presbyterian Hospital pronounced Dexter dead after he was rushed there. Mary confessed to shooting her husband because of his previous treatment of their pet and was promptly arrested before being taken to Dallas County Jail with a $100,000 bail.
The SPCA of Texas took Smokey and the couple’s dog, Summer, into custody. Maura Davis, a spokeswoman for the agency, said they would treat Smokey for his injuries and keep both animals as long as necessary.
Mary’s actions have divided people, with some arguing that she was justified in her actions and others believing that she went too far. There is no doubt that Mary loved her cat and wanted to protect him; however, some people believe that there are other ways to deal with an abusive spouse – Ways that don’t involve taking a life.
What do you think? Was Mary justified in shooting her husband? Or did she go too far?
