San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Charles Wentworth (46) has been charged in connection to the killing of his dog. Mr. Wentworth is scheduled to be arraigned on December 31, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in Department 19 at the Hall of Justice. The District Attorney’s Office will move to have Mr. Wentworth detained pending trial without bail because of the public safety risk he poses.

Mr. Wentworth is charged with one felony count of unlawfully killing an animal.

According to court documents, on December 29, 2025, at approximately 11:25 a.m., Mr. Wentworth allegedly strangled his pitbull “Smokey” to death in public. Multiple witnesses observed Mr. Wentworth allegedly aggressively pulling and choking the dog by a leash/collar, lifting the dog off the ground so that its front paws were in the air. Witnesses reported that Smokey went limp, collapsed, and became unresponsive. Mr. Wenworth allegedly dragged Smokey’s body around until SFPD officers arrived on scene. Officers found Smokey deceased with his tongue protruding from his mouth. Witnesses reported the dog appeared terrified before the incident.

Although charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

Court Number: 25028413