Molloy’s attorney cites self-defense in ‘death of a beloved animal’

James Molloy’s attorney said the former NYPD officer acted in self-defense when he shot and killed a 12-year-old dog belonging to a beloved homeless man living near the former Turco's.

Molloy — who reportedly has a permit to carry a gun and was doing so legally at the time of the incident — faces charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, a Class D felony, and aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class E felony, after the alleged shooting, which took place on the evening of Aug. 5 near the sidewalk along Route 118.

“For the past week, a great deal has been said online about what happened in Yorktown. What is true is that James Molloy defended himself against an attack from an aggressive dog in a public space,” Robert M. Schechter of Tilem & Associates, PC, told Yorktown News in an email. “James regrets that his actions in self-defense resulted in the death of a beloved animal. Anyone who loves an animal feels that loss and sadness.”

Schechter’s comments came after more than 75 residents gathered on the steps of Yorktown Justice Court Aug. 11, with signs reading “Justice for Luke” as they came to support Matt Steele, and mourn his dog, Luke, also known as “Snoopy.”

Molloy, who claims that Luke attacked his own dog, has faced loud criticism online, which was amplified in front of the courthouse. He was bombarded by shouts and jeers as he left court with his family following an adjournment.

Since the killing, social media has erupted with anger – and also some support – directed toward Molloy. Users shared his photo and address and his now-offline LinkedIn profile, which listed him as a development officer for Ronald McDonald House New York. His profile also said he volunteered at The Good Dog Foundation, an organization that provides animal-assisted therapy.

Several demonstrators outside the courtroom questioned how someone who seemed to know animals would feel the need to shoot another dog. A few told Yorktown News they had visited Steele with their own pets over the years and found it hard to believe that Luke would attack Molloy’s dog—at least not to a level justifying deadly force.

However, some Facebook commenters and others have questioned what they call a rush to judgment against Molloy and said he had a right to defend himself and his dog. They also criticized the ’Justice for Luke” lawn signs and accused people of caring more about the dog than the homeless man, Steele.

Schechter thanked “everyone who has reached out” to support Molloy.

“It means a great deal,” Schechter said. “Please continue to contact our office. We will share what we can, when we can.”

But while some on social media have accused the demonstrators of coming out of the woodwork because the case involves a dog, many of Steele’s supporters said they had a personal connection to Matt and Luke.

In a statement calling for decorum ahead of the court date, Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman said he had personally taken Luke for walks over the years and described him as “a curious and friendly dog.” Others claiming to know Luke said he “wouldn’t hurt a fly” and noted that he was well cared for. Several people told Yorktown News the dog had belonged to Steele’s late mother and was all Steele had. They said Steele refused to go into a shelter if it meant giving Luke up.

In the week since the fatal shooting, locals rallied online and in person in support of Steele, creating a memorial for Luke at the scene of the incident.

Residents have questioned why Molloy was armed, why he fired a gun in a public space and what led up to the fatal shooting.

Several – including those characterizing themselves as supporters of gun rights – told Yorktown News that discharging a firearm along a busy road like Route 118 put passersby at risk.

In his statement, Schechter sought to separate support for Steele and sadness over Luke’s death from what he calls justifiable action by his client.

“The concern this community has shown says something good about the people who live here. I am not asking anyone to stop caring. I am asking you to stay interested, and to keep an open mind until all of the facts are known,” Schechter said. “When they are, I am confident this community will understand what happened and why James had to use force in self-defense.”

Yorktown police responded to the scene at about 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 after receiving a report of a dog attacking another dog. Officers arrived after the shooting and began investigating.

What’s not in dispute is that Luke approached and confronted Molloy’s dog.

Steele has said his dog did not physically attack Molloy’s dog and was not biting the other animal when Molloy, 61, pulled out his gun and fired.

Police said Molloy was also the person who called to report the incident. He was later arrested, taken to Yorktown Police Headquarters for processing, and released.

His attorney said he’s confident Molloy will ultimately be exonerated.

“We believe Mr. Molloy’s actions were legally justified, and we will make that case in court as the legal proceedings move forward,” Schechter said.

The case, People v. James Joseph Molloy, was adjourned to Tuesday, Oct. 13.