Trial Begins For Vinita Man Charged In Beating Over Dog's Death

Scott Osborn goes on trial Tuesday, charged with beating a man who ran over and killed his dog.

Monday, May 21st 2012, 5:50 pm

By: News On 6


Jury selection began this afternoon in the trial of Scott Osborn. He's charged with aggravated assault and battery, for beating up a man who accidentally ran over and killed one of his dogs last April in Vinita.

Scott Osborn says he is not guilty of assault, that he beat Neng Yang in self defense. He told the sheriff, he was afraid Yang was going to hit him, so he hit him first.

Yang's family doesn't believe all the damage was caused by just one punch. 

After the attack, his family says 47-year-old Neng Yang had broken ribs, a dislocated jaw and a shattered nose. They say needed facial reconstructive surgery and now has irreversible nerve damage to his eyes which caused him to later lose his job which also meant losing his medical insurance.

"I can't believe someone can be as heartless," said Pashia Yang, daughter.

"This is so absurd. I never, ever dreamed anyone could do anything like this to anybody, any person, over an animal. I have an animal, a dog and I love him, but I could never do this to someone's father or friend, you know?"

3/10/2011 Related Story: Man Arrested For Beating Vinita Driver Who Ran Over His Dog

Yang had been checking his farm and made it past Scott Osborn's dogs in the road on his way there. On his way back, he says he heard a thump and realized he'd ran over one of them.

Yang says it was an accident, and he felt terrible, especially when he saw Osborn's son crying.

"He got out of the car and apologized to the man," Pashia Yang said. "The man said, ‘did you know you ran over my dog? He's a thousand dollars.' Dad said, 'I'm sorry, I'll pay for it, compensate.'

"My father did see the son in the car and the son was crying, said 'I'll pay for it.'"

Yang says he came to and was covered in blood.

His family says he's lived in the Vinita community for 30 years and never had a conflict with anyone.

Osborn says Yang came up into his yard when he hit the dog and that his young son was standing close by and was afraid for his safety.

Attorneys are set to give their opening statements in the case Tuesday. Supporters for Yang are asking people to come to the Craig County courthouse in the morning at eight a.m., to rally on his behalf.

They've also set up a fund to help with his medical expenses: Help Support Mr. Neng Yang.

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