A brief court hearing was held today in Toms River for the man accused of shooting and killing Ruby, a French bulldog.

Jeffrey Lentz appeared before a judge at the Ocean County Courthouse as supporters for Ruby and the dog’s owners filled the courtroom.

During the hearing, the assistant prosecutor told Judge Kenneth Palmer that a pre‑indictment plea deal has been offered. If accepted, Lentz would serve five years in prison for possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and three years for animal cruelty, served concurrently. He also would not be allowed to own animals.

Pet sitter from Berkeley accused of fatally shooting French bulldog

However, Lentz has turned down the offer.

“Jeffrey Lentz did appear for a brief hearing concerning evidence. We did learn that the Ocean County prosecutor has offered a plea deal, which would carry prison time. However, to this point Lentz is not accepting that deal, which means this case could eventually go to trial,” an official said.

Dog owner Nicole Ingraffia said, “I was really hoping that he was going to take the plea deal today. I feel like the evidence we have against him is so strong but if he wants to go to trial then I welcome it.”

Another owner, Nick Guarino said, “You can’t hide from the truth ya know he’ll have his day.”

Ingraffia says she dropped off Ruby with her mother and Lentz in October while she went to a wedding. She later received a call saying Ruby had been attacked by an animal and died. After an X‑ray on Ruby’s remains, a veterinarian found a bullet was lodged in the dog’s jaw.

Police then filed charges against Lentz. Because he declined the plea deal, the case will now go to a grand jury to consider an indictment.

News 12 attempted to speak with Lentz’s attorney, but he declined comment.