By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
A preliminary hearing date has been set for later this month for a 24-year-old Grand Rapids man accused in a home invasion in Olive Township late last year in which the homeowner’s dog was stabbed to death and the homeowner wounded.
According to Ottawa County court records, Jason Neshawn Varnado is scheduled for the hearing April 24 before 58th District Judge Craig Bunce in Grand Haven on charges of first-degree home invasion, killing or torturing an animal and felonious assault in connection with the Nov. 18, 2025 incident at the home on New Holland Street, just east of 120th Avenue.
An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office found the suspect approached the residence during the afternoon of Nov. 18. After a discussion with the homeowner, a 68-year-old man, Varnado allegedly forced his way into the home and assaulted the homeowner.
The family dog, named Chief, came to the victim’s aid and engaged the suspect, allowing the victim to retreat safely to a bedroom. The dog was stabbed during the attack and later died of his injuries, Sgt. Jake Sparks of the sheriff’s office said after the incident.
The suspect fled the scene, but was later found with the assistance of an Ottawa County K-9 unit and the sheriff’s office Drone Team, and taken into custody. The homeowner suffered lacerations to his arm in the assault, Sparks said.
Varnado was ruled competent to stand trial in the case last month following a psychiatric evaluation. He is being held in the Ottawa County Jail on a $250,000 bond, according to court records.
Zeeland Record
A preliminary hearing date has been set for later this month for a 24-year-old Grand Rapids man accused in a home invasion in Olive Township late last year in which the homeowner’s dog was stabbed to death and the homeowner wounded.
According to Ottawa County court records, Jason Neshawn Varnado is scheduled for the hearing April 24 before 58th District Judge Craig Bunce in Grand Haven on charges of first-degree home invasion, killing or torturing an animal and felonious assault in connection with the Nov. 18, 2025 incident at the home on New Holland Street, just east of 120th Avenue.
An investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office found the suspect approached the residence during the afternoon of Nov. 18. After a discussion with the homeowner, a 68-year-old man, Varnado allegedly forced his way into the home and assaulted the homeowner.
The family dog, named Chief, came to the victim’s aid and engaged the suspect, allowing the victim to retreat safely to a bedroom. The dog was stabbed during the attack and later died of his injuries, Sgt. Jake Sparks of the sheriff’s office said after the incident.
The suspect fled the scene, but was later found with the assistance of an Ottawa County K-9 unit and the sheriff’s office Drone Team, and taken into custody. The homeowner suffered lacerations to his arm in the assault, Sparks said.
Varnado was ruled competent to stand trial in the case last month following a psychiatric evaluation. He is being held in the Ottawa County Jail on a $250,000 bond, according to court records.
