CALDWELL, Idaho — On Wednesday, Caldwell resident Delbert Cornish appeared in Canyon County Court for a preliminary hearing, where an additional charge was added to his criminal murder case, and another charge was amended.
Cornish is now charged with animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, for killing the cat of his adopted daughter, Onyx Cornish, whom he is accused of murdering. One count of aggravated assault has also been changed to assault with intent to commit murder.
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Delbert Cornish was arrested in Mountain Home on Aug.18 following the death of Onyx Cornish in Caldwell. Court documents indicate that following Onyx's murder, Delbert Cornish proceeded to shoot her cat. Those same documents indicate that Delbert later confessed to the murder, telling officers "I did it, dude."
WATCH TO SEE DELBERT CORNISH APPEAR IN CANYON COUNTY COURT
The defendant is now charged with first-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon, assault with the intent to commit murder, and animal cruelty.
According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Idaho ranks 48th in the nation for animal protection laws. The report notes that the state does not require veterinarians or social workers to report suspected abuse. In some cases, even severe cruelty, like torturing pets, is still classified as a misdemeanor.
A vigil for Onyx Cornish is being planned for this Sunday at Julia Davis Park in Boise at 4 p.m., where community members will gather to honor her memory.
Cornish's upcoming arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.