Two-time Alabama All-American Terrence Cody's dog "died a horrible, miserable death because of the conduct of both of these defendants," the prosecutor said as the ex-Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle's trial on animal-cruelty charges started in Baltimore County Circuit Court on Thursday.
Cody and his girlfriend, Kourtney J. Kelley, face 15 criminal counts apiece. Their bench trial started before Judge Judith C. Ensor on Thursday after final plea offers were rejected.
Cody's attorney, Joe Murtha, admitted his client had neglected the dog, but said he never intended for it to die.