Clayton family believes dog's death came from intentional hit-and-run

A Clayton family is mourning the death of their dog in a deadly hit-and-run.

Ginger was only four years old. She was a lovable Shih-poo who arrived in the Premachandra family home in 2019.

WRAL News spoke with the devastated owners, who shared surveillance video on why they believe this was intentional.

The family wasn’t sure what happened to their dog, that’s until they pulled out their phones and reviewed their cell phone video.

“She was a happy dog and everyone fell in love with her even people who are not dog people,” said Berni Premachandra.

On Thursday morning, Ginger went outside for her daily sniff. Minutes later, Manosh Premachandra spotted Ginger struggling to walk. She eventually collapsed in the front yard.

“I ran out, I saw she was hurt and I noticed she was bleeding from the mouth," said Manosh Premachandra. "She was shaking and she was not there.”

About 20-to-30 seconds later Ginger would die. The family would bury her that afternoon.

Later, the family decided to review their surveillance cameras. What they saw crushed them.

“He didn’t slow down," Manosh said. "In fact, he sped up when he saw the dog, swerved toward our land.”

In the video you see Ginger crossing the street. A blue SUV comes into frame. You then see the truck swerve and strike Ginger and the the driver keeps on going.

“It doesn’t make sense why someone would do such a thing," Manosh said.

The Johnston County Sheriff's office is investigating. There have been no charges filed, but it’s believed the driver is someone who visits this neighborhood often.

In wrapping up the interview, we couldn’t help but notice Ginger’s bed, which now sits unoccupied.

"It is unimaginable," Manosh said. "This is such a tiny dog that can’t fend for himself.”