Colorado Dog Killing Convict Identified as Arizona Murder Suspect

Arizona Man Arrested in Scottsdale Homicide Had Prior Animal Cruelty Conviction

Authorities in Arizona have arrested 35-year-old Matthew Dieringer, linking him to the Labor Day killing of Scottsdale resident Frank Quaranta, 67. Quaranta’s body was discovered inside his home after coworkers requested a welfare check when he failed to show up for work. While Scottsdale police have not released details about how Quaranta died, they confirmed Dieringer was quickly identified as the primary suspect.

Dieringer was no stranger to law enforcement. In 2020, Arapahoe County deputies in Colorado arrested him after he was accused of killing two of his roommate’s dogs. One of the animals, a seven-year-old Australian cattle dog named Suka, was dismembered, while the other, a black dog named Hayoka, was also killed. The disturbing case led to years of delays due to mental health competency hearings, but in 2023, Dieringer was convicted of felony animal cruelty and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

After serving his sentence, Dieringer resurfaced in Arizona. Scottsdale police said he often relied on charisma and manipulation to secure housing, ingratiating himself with acquaintances despite a history of homelessness and instability.

On the day Quaranta’s body was found, police issued a warrant for Dieringer’s arrest. For several days he remained at large, prompting concern in the community. A tip eventually led authorities to his location, and he was taken into custody without incident.

The case has alarmed both Colorado and Arizona residents. Criminologists and animal welfare advocates have long noted the connection between cruelty to animals and escalation to violence against humans. Dieringer’s past conviction, followed by his alleged involvement in a homicide, has reignited calls for closer monitoring of offenders with violent histories.

For now, investigators in Arizona continue piecing together the events leading up to Quaranta’s death. Dieringer faces serious charges that could carry a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. While his arrest brings relief after a tense search, the case also raises difficult questions about how a man with such a violent past was able to once again pose a danger to others.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.