A murder-for-hire plot that targeted a neighbor's barking dog ended with guilty pleas Tuesday from the father-and-son team that carried out the crime.

David James Walkoski was annoyed by the barking of Paws, a seven-year-old black Lab that was chained in backyard of a rural Canby neighbor.

He paid his son, Derek James Walkoski, $500 to shoot the dog, said Clackamas County prosecutor Matthew Semritc.

Derek Walkoski shot the dog in April 2012 from the deck of his father's house. The bullet passed through Paws and lodged in a recycling receptacle. The pair was arrested in early 2013.



Derek James Walkoski

Derek Walkoski was a willing participant but easily influenced by his father, Semritc said.

The younger man has a lengthy criminal record and is a self-admitted addiction to methamphetamine.

David Walkoski "tried to take advantage of his son, knowing he had a meth habit," Semritc said.

After the dog was killed, the father and son met at a Northeast Portland strip club for the payoff, Semritc said.

The plot unraveled when a confidential informant tipped off police.

David Walkoski, 61, pleaded no contest in Clackamas County Circuit Court to first-degree aggravated animal abuse and a contempt charge for violating a court order to stay away from the dead dog's owner. He will be sentenced Jan. 6

After his arrest on the animal abuse charge, David Walkoski was cited for contempt for violating a no-contact order.

He had driven past the neighbor, flipping them off and, simulating a pistol by pointing his finger him and threatening to "kick his ass," Smetric said.

Paws owner did not attend either hearing.

His son, Derek Walkoski, 30, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated animal abuse, felon in possession of a firearm and recklessly endangering another person.

The younger Walkoski is serving a three-year, nine-month prison sentence for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. A plea agreement added another 28 months to his prison term.

The plea deal includes prison time for an unrelated Clackamas County charges of theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Derek Walkoski also pleaded guilty to those crimes Tuesday.

Derek Walkoski appeared remorseful during his court appearance.

"I just want to apologize for everything I've done," he said.