Devoted Texas Labradoodle Helps Identify Owner’s Killer

A dog was able to help police identify his beloved owner's killer after refusing to leave the side of her burned body after she was brutally murdered.

The curly blonde labradoodle named "Titan" was found barking next to what was initially believed to be a brush fire. The day after her remains were found, Titan was still standing guard of the area, prompting a call to animal control. His microchip led police to the address and the identity of his owner, 26-year-old Mandy Rose Reynolds of San Marcos, Texas.

Police discovered Reynolds' home disheveled and ransacked. Her Honda Accord was also missing. They checked the license plate information and tracked the car down to Wichita three days later. The car was involved in a 100 mph high-speed chase with police for nearly 30 minutes until the vehicle crashed and the driver 29-year-old Derek Daigneault, Reynold's cousin, jumped out and ran into a store to try to escape being captured. He was found hiding behind canned goods and arrested.

A handgun was found on the floorboard of the stolen vehicle, and police later obtained footage of Daigneault purchasing a large container, a shovel, and a gas can. The container was identical to the one that her body was discovered in at the site of the tragedy.

Ryan Calvert and Alyssa Killin, Assistant District Attorneys, said:

“The keys to this case were a heroic and loyal dog named Titan and extraordinary cooperation between law enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions and states. That combination has delivered justice for Mandy and safety from a violent and dangerous criminal."

Derek Daigneault was sentenced to life in prison last Thursday.

You are one good boy, Titan.