Convicted Murderer Axes Maize’s Ear Off! Plz HELP!

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, my world was turned upside down. My beautiful nine-month-old female puppy named Maize was axed in the skull – without any warning or provocation – by David Askew III (aka Zake). This heinous attack occurred in broad daylight in Aliquippa, PA while Maize and I were out on our routine walk. There are witnesses who saw this heinous attack.

According to PA court records, Mr. Askew was criminally charged with criminal homicide and conspiracy to commit murder which he served several years for in prison. Please understand that it was not an easy decision for me to go public with this, but I must seek justice for my precious Maize.

After slamming the axe in Maize’s head, Mr. Askew took off running. I was in shock and fear as blood poured from Maize head onto the ground. Her left ear was hanging from her head. The sound of the axe going in Maize’s head and the blood pouring from her repeatedly play in my mind. I will never forget it. I picked up Maize and started walking toward my home which was about a mile away from the attack. A friend of mine drove by and gave Maize and I a ride to the veterinary hospital where the vet required an upfront payment of $12,000 before they would operate on Maize. There was no guarantee that Maize would even survive the attack, but I was not ready to say goodbye to Maize. A good Samaritan stepped up to save Maize so surgery could take place. Saving Maize’s life was the only thing on my mind.

Maize now has only one ear and can only hear out of one ear. She has a lifelong injury/disability. She as you can see is and was the most beautiful puppy! Maize faces a long and difficult road to recovery. She currently has staples in her head, and has a colostomy bag/tube, and is on lots of mediation. (Other complications – eating, walking, confusion, bowels, etc.). My Mazie used to be so rambunctious and full of life, but she does a lot of sleeping and is anxious and fearful. I lay awake at night wondering why this happened to Maize, but there are no answers for hate and evil. I do realize that my life was in danger as well. This is a total nightmare, and I need all the help that I can get.

I am pleading for support to help with the continued care required for Maize’s recovery. I currently do not have a vehicle; so, I have to pay for transportation to on-going Vet appointments starting now. The money that I have to pour into Maize greatly impacts money that is normally budgeted for dog food and routine care for my other dogs as well as my living expenses. The senseless attack on Maize has caused me extreme emotional suffering, and I am not ashamed to admit that I need counseling to deal with this trauma. It is okay not to be okay, and I am in pain. I still can't believe the violence that Maize and I suffered that day. My life and Maize's life changed forever on our daily walk. We became victims of violence!

I would be grateful for whatever you are able to contribute toward Maize’s care and the counseling that I need. If you wish to donate dog food or provide gift cards to pet stores, that would also be greatly appreciated. Whether or not you are able to donate, I ask that you please pray for Maize’s full recovery, and I ask that you share Maize’s story with family, friends, co-workers, pet lovers, pet advocacy groups, and across all social media platforms.

My Maize is a sweet baby. She didn’t deserve this. Though I am hurting, I am determined to get justice for Maize. Mr. Askew needs to be off the streets before he hurts again. Animal cruelty, abuse and assault should never be trivialized or ignored by any community. Mr. Askew needs to be arrested, criminally charged to the fullest extent of the law and convicted.

Please call and/or write to the following:

Beaver County, PA District Attorney [phone redacted] DA Nate Bible

Beaver County, PA Humane Society, Cruelty Investigations Division [phone redacted]

Pennsylvania SPCA [phone redacted]

Aliquippa, PA Police Chief John Lane [phone redacted]

Contact Information: if you would like to reach out or send a gift card, please contact me at:

[email redacted]

Thank You!

Juain Hall and Maize