Accused dog-killer case drawing national attention
By BRETT TROXLER
btroxler@wbrz.com
2theadvocate.com staff
From a report by WBRZ's Summer Jackson

The Ascension man accused of beating and killing his ex-girlfriend's dog two years ago appeared in court on Monday. Twenty-three-year-old Nicholas Matassa faces two separate felony charges -- cruelty to animals and unauthorized entry.
Matassa is the son of Ascension Parish Councilman Kerry Matassa, who also oversees the parish’s animal control department.

The case against Matassa is getting national attention, as the Ascension Parish District Attorney's Office and the judge hearing the case have received hundreds of letters and petitions from concerned victims and animal rights organizations across the country.

"There's been an outcry across the country," said Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Johnson. "The district attorney's office has received about 200 letters and statements."

Johnson said the judge has received another 100 or so.

Danielle Balint -- Matassa's ex-girlfriend -- said that while no one was home Dec. 23, 2002, Matassa entered the Gonzales home she shared with her mother, Cindy, and beat their 7-year-old golden retriever, Shades, to death. The family alleges Matassa gagged the dog and broke most of the dog’s ribs, causing internal bleeding and brain trauma.

"It was such a violent crime carried out in every room of the house," Cindy Balint said. "Almost every room of the house had furniture tipped over, plants, blood, feces, the walls the carpet, it was everywhere."

The family said they believed Matassa acted in this way because he was angry at Danielle Balint.

"I was shocked, and I was just glad it wasn't me who was at home," Danielle Balint said.

On Monday the assistant district attorney asked to continue a trial status hearing while the family reviews a letter from Matassa stating his remorse and showing his community service efforts. Cindy Balint said she questions Matassa's sincerity, but added that the public support that has come out of the situation has been encouraging.

"It really surprised us. We had no idea that there would be so many people interested," said Cindy Balint, who made an effort to contact animal rights organizations fearing the trial would stall. "It makes us feel like we're doing the right thing."

Matassa's next court appearance is scheduled for April.

As reported March 8 on WBRZ's 6 p.m. telecast. If you have information or comments related to this story, email news@wbrz.com.

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