Update on Dallas Zoo Monkey Theft Case: Charges Dropped for Suspect

Breaking News: Update on Dallas Zoo Monkey Theft Case

A recent development has occurred in the case of the man accused of stealing monkeys from a Texas zoo last year. The suspect, Davion Irvin, is no longer facing some of the charges that were initially filed against him.

In 2023, Irvin was apprehended after stealing two Emperor Tamarin monkeys from the Dallas Zoo. Fortunately, the monkeys were found unharmed in a vacant home in the Dallas area.

Initially, Irvin was indicted for misdemeanor animal cruelty and felony burglary charges by a Dallas County grand jury. However, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has recently announced that the misdemeanor animal cruelty charge has been dropped.

Their decision is based on Texas law, specifically Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 46B, which stipulates that if a year has passed and the defendant's competency has not been restored, misdemeanor cases must be dismissed. Irvin has been incarcerated for nearly a year, as indicated by jail records.

Although the misdemeanor charge has been dropped, Irvin still faces the two felony charges of burglary of a building. These charges are expected to remain, and Irvin will continue to be held in jail.

Irvin's case was put on indefinite hold after he was found mentally incompetent to stand trial last year. Court documents reveal that Irvin claimed to love animals and expressed intentions of committing further thefts if he were to be released from jail.

In addition to the monkey theft, Irvin is also accused of cutting the fence surrounding the habitat of a Clouded leopard, which was discovered nearby on the same day in a separate incident.

This update highlights the continued legal proceedings in the Dallas Zoo monkey theft case. As more information unfolds, we will keep you informed.