Trial date set for man accused of shooting Jacksonville officer, K-9

RUSK, Texas (KLTV) - A trial date has been set for a Cherokee County man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and her K-9 in 2025.

Bobby Dennis, 64, is charged with attempted capital murder and two counts of retaliation in connection with the November 2025 shooting of Jacksonville Police Officer Elyse Hand and her K-9 partner Renzo.

Dennis appeared in court for another arraignment hearing via a video call in Judge Chris Day’s courtroom Friday after he was ruled competent to stand trial Wednesday following two evaluations.

Dennis did not cooperate with the judge’s instructions during the hearing and could be seen yelling while on mute.

His attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

A trial date was then set for Jan. 19.

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