Teens' stories differ in Phoenix case

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - One of the two teenagers accused of setting a puppy on fire has pleaded not guilty. Adell Ziegler’s defense attorney says his client is innocent, but the other suspect says Ziegler did it. Now, it’s a case where one person’s word is pitted against another.

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Ziegler pleaded not guilty before Judge Kenneth Case in Erie County Court, Tuesday morning. He is one of the two teens accused of setting a puppy, named Phoenix, on fire. If Ziegler is convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, he could face up to two years in prison.

The other suspect, 17-year-old Diondre Brown, pleaded guilty last week to animal cruelty charges, admitting he was part of the crime. He says he was the lookout for Ziegler, as he allegedly doused the puppy with lighter fluid before setting it on fire.

Ziegler’s defense attorney says he has no opinion about Brown’s comments, but that people do all kinds of things to get themselves out of trouble.

Ziegler’s Defense Attorney Early Key said, “I want everybody to keep an open mind. We have essentially one person saying that my client did something and right now my client denies that.”

Key says he plans to take this case to trial. As of right now, Ziegler is being held without bail. But, Key says he is going to ask for bail to be set.