Preliminary hearing set for Joplin man who allegedly beat victim over the head with cane, killed dog

The preliminary hearing for a Joplin man charged with felony domestic assault and animal abuse is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

According to the probable cause statement, Francisco Garcia, Jr., (DOB 1951), was in the process of committing the assault July 13 when Jasper County Sheriff's deputies arrived. 

From the statement:

Francisco said he told Victim 1 to move out and VICTIM 1 said VICTIM 1 wouldn’t be moving out. Francisco had hit VICTIM 1 on the top of the head after arguing loudly and telling the victim to shut up VICTIM 1 said VICTIM 1 wouldn’t be moving out and then hit VICTIM 1’s dog killing it.

The court document alleges Garcia hit the victim over the head with his cane.

Garcia is free after posting a $5,000 surety bond.