Las Vegas Mother Arrested After ‘Payback’ Stabbing of Husband’s Dog Before Fleeing With Infant

A Las Vegas mother is facing serious felony charges after police say she repeatedly stabbed her husband’s dog during a heated domestic dispute, then fled the apartment with their infant daughter.

The disturbing confrontation unfolded on Wednesday near the Desert Pines Golf Club, leaving officers to piece together a chaotic scene marked by alcohol, arguments, and a terrified child standing just feet away.

According to an arrest report cited by 8 News Now, 30-year-old Marsean Johnson allegedly lashed out at the family pet during an argument with her husband inside their apartment.

Investigators were told the couple had argued over the cost of keeping the dog, which had recently been returned to the home by the husband’s mother on November 18.

The husband told officers he had been playing with the dog before heading to work, unaware that Johnson was growing increasingly upset.

Police say Johnson had been drinking and, during the argument, told her husband she planned to stab his dog as “payback,” claiming he had previously stabbed her dog during a separate dispute.

Moments later, she reportedly went into the kitchen, grabbed a large black kitchen knife, and began attacking the dog in the dining area.

The arrest report describes a frenzied struggle as the husband ran toward Johnson, managed to pry the knife from her hand, and threw it into the sink.

But the confrontation escalated again when Johnson allegedly grabbed a pair of scissors and continued stabbing the dog.

Another physical struggle ensued as the husband wrestled the scissors away and threw them across the room.

One of the couple’s young children, who had been nearby throughout the violence, began crying in fear during the attack.

Police noted the child’s proximity to both weapons and the assault when recommending charges.

The condition of the dog has not been publicly confirmed, but investigators described multiple stab wounds inflicted with two separate weapons.

By the time officers arrived at the apartment, Johnson had fled the scene with the couple’s three-year-old daughter, leaving their other child behind with the husband.

Police classified the situation as a potential child-endangerment emergency and launched a search for both mother and child.

Johnson was found and arrested several hours later. Police confirmed that the child was recovered safely.

Following her arrest, Johnson was booked on charges including:

• Animal torture, a felony under Nevada law
• Child abuse, stemming from both the presence of the child during the stabbing and fleeing with the infant afterward

Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a domestic crisis or mental-health emergency, help is available. Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.