Officials: Doctor accused of killing dog, kills self

BAY HARBOR ISLAND, Fla. (WSVN) -- Town officials are saying that a doctor accused of killing his dog outside his Bay Harbor home with a hammer has killed himself.

Just before 6 p.m. Thursday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the home of Dr. Isaias Lerner, who had been accused of the fatal case of dog abuse. Neighbors heard gunshots, and a man was found bleeding from mouth, according to rescuers.

According to town officials, they received a message at around 5:30 or 5:45 p.m. that Lerner had taken his own life. The day before, the doctor was arrested after witnesses said they saw him beating his pet beagle with a hammer and screw driver while it was tied to a tree. That dog would eventually die.

Lerner was let out on bond later that same day. Miami-Dade Police are now investigating and have not commented on this death investigation.

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