Midlands Man Sentenced to 33 Years for Killing K9 Officer

Memorial for K9 Officer Coba, featuring flowers and police insignia.

News Summary

James Robert Peterson received a 33-year prison sentence for killing K9 Officer Coba during a chaotic arrest attempt. The incident drew significant attention, emphasizing the dangers faced by law enforcement. Peterson was charged with multiple felonies, culminating in his lengthy sentence, which illustrates a pressing need for stronger protections for working police dogs.

Midlands Man Receives 33-Year Sentence for Killing K9 Officer in Shocking Incident

In a case that has captured the attention of the Midlands and beyond, James Robert Peterson, a 38-year-old man from Prosperity, South Carolina, has been handed a hefty 33-year prison sentence after a string of violent crimes, including the tragic killing of a beloved police dog named K9 Officer Coba. The sentencing took place on March 17, 2025, marking a significant moment for law enforcement and animal advocacy communities alike.

A Chaotic Day Unfolds

The events that led to this devastating outcome began on June 11, 2024, when law enforcement officers were attempting to arrest Peterson on felony first-degree burglary charges. Peterson had previously engaged in a burglary on May 24, 2024, at a residence on Blacks Gate East Road. When officers located Peterson at his mother’s home on Gravel Road, K9 Officer Coba, a heroic 4-year-old Belgian Malinois mix, was deployed to assist in the apprehension.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Coba was shot and killed as he confronted Peterson during the arrest attempt. This incident not only took a dedicated working dog from the force but posed a significant threat to the lives of the officers involved.

Charges That Paint a Grim Picture

Following this horrifying incident, Peterson faced multiple charges that summed up a violent episode: one count of first-degree burglary, three counts of attempted murder, one count of cruelty to a police dog, and one count of resisting arrest with a deadly weapon. As a result, he received sentences of 28 years for each of the attempted murder and burglary charges, alongside an additional 10 years for resisting arrest, to be served concurrently. Furthermore, the court added a 5-year sentence for the cruel act against K9 Coba.

A Family in Trouble

Peterson’s mother, 61-year-old Scarlett Boyd, also found herself in legal trouble for her role in the situation. She was charged with hindering law enforcement after giving officers misleading information about her son’s whereabouts during the manhunt.

Honoring a Fallen Hero

K9 Officer Coba was more than just a police dog; he was a crucial member of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), serving on both the SWAT Team and the K9 Tracking Team since joining the force in 2021. The loss of such a capable officer has left a significant void not only within SLED but also among the community that relied on his skills for safety.

Calls for Stronger Justice

Following the sentencing, there has been a push from law enforcement leaders for stronger penalties against those who harm K9 officers in the line of duty. The incident involving Officer Coba marks a troubling statistic: it was the 20th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2024 and marks the first incident for the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and SLED that year.

In reflecting on this tragic incident, local and state leaders have expressed gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement officers, including K9s and their handlers, who show remarkable bravery every day.

Looking Ahead

As the community comes to terms with the loss of K9 Officer Coba, conversations around improving safety measures for officers and their K9 partners will likely continue. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers these officers face daily and the importance of valuing the lives of not just human officers, but our four-legged heroes as well.