NEWARK — In a near whisper, Haniyyah Barnes stood before a Superior Court judge today and admitted to causing the death of a 2-year-old Shih Tzu named Honey Bey.

Answering questions from her attorney and an assistant prosecutor, the 27-year-old Newark resident acknowledged how, during an August 2011 dispute over a parking space, she broke into her neighbor’s home, grabbed the dog by the throat and threw Honey Bey into oncoming traffic, where she was struck by a vehicle and killed.

For that moment of rage, prosecutors are looking to put Barnes in prison for six years.

“It was a horrific crime and I think the punishment reflects that,” Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller said after today’s hearing. “She broke into someone’s home and killed their dog and they watched it happen.

“ Not too many things are more disturbing than that,” Miller added.

Barnes pleaded guilty today to burglary, animal cruelty and theft charges as part of a plea agreement where prosecutors have agreed to recommend the six-year prison sentence. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 14.

Under the deal, Barnes would have to pay up to $2,600 in restitution to the victim, and she would be barred from owning, purchasing or living with animals for 10 years. Barnes also would be required to participate in anger management and drug and alcohol counseling.

Barnes declined to comment after today’s hearing.

The victim did not attend today's hearing and could not be reached for comment.

Honey Bey, a two-year-old Shih Tzu, was killed in August 2011 when Newark resident Haniyyah Barnes threw the dog into traffic in a dispute over a parking space.

The series of events began with what had apparently been a friendly agreement between neighbors on Fabyan Place in Newark. Barnes, who lived two doors down from the victim, said in court today that her family had permission to use the victim’s driveway.

But around 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2011, Barnes said she became upset when the victim’s car was blocking Barnes’ relative’s car, which was parked in the driveway.

Barnes then kicked in the front door to the victim’s home and confronted the woman, prosecutors said. Honey Bey came to the victim’s defense, rushing into the room and barking at Barnes, prosecutors said.

But Barnes quickly silenced the pup.

After grabbing the dog by the throat, Barnes admitted to going back outside and throwing Honey Bey into oncoming traffic. A Newark police officer, who was sitting in a patrol vehicle, witnessed Barnes toss the dog into the street and immediately arrested her, prosecutors said.

While being questioned by Miller in court, Barnes acknowledged how the victim followed her outside, begging her to stop.

“She chased after you and asked you to stop, but you threw the dog anyway,” Miller said to Barnes.

RELATED COVERAGE

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