On January 26, 2026, Chaska Police Officer Personius responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at a residence in Chaska, Carver County, Minnesota. While responding to the disturbance, Officer Personius observed Murphy, a 10-year-old Shepard mix to be in dire need of medical attention. Officer Personius was familiar with Murphy from prior contacts with the residence. On January 8, 2026, Officer Personius was at the residence and spoke with STEPHANIE MARIE KIRKPATRICK [DOB REDACTED] about Murphy’s health.
On January 8, Murphy visibly had a serious leg injury and infection. Officer Personius expressed extreme concern for Murphy’s health, but Kirkpatrick informed Officer Personius that she would take Murphy to the vet for medical care. On January 26, Officer Personius observed that Murphy’s health had continued to decline and that the infection had spread to another leg. Officer Personius spoke with Witness, an adult female fully identified in police reports. Witness reported that Kirkpatrick did not take Murphy to the vet after the January 8 contact.
Witness further reported that Murphy had been struggling with the infection since approximately July 2025 and that he was not eating or drinking normally anymore. According to Witness, Kirkpatrick had done nothing to address Murphy’s health. Officer Personius made the decision to seize Murphy for his wellbeing. CSO Heitkamp transported Murphy to the Humane Society for treatment and temporary placement. On January 27, 2026, Agent Pudas from the Humane Society updated Officer Personius on Murphy’s conditions.
Agent Pudas determined that Murphy’s condition had deteriorated due to the lack of treatment for a long period of time and that the most humane avenue forward would be to euthanize Murphy. Murphy was euthanized, and Kirkpatrick did not appeal this decision. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
