Beloved K9 of slain Twinsburg officer put to rest

TWINSBURG, Ohio - The beloved K9 partner of slain Twinsburg Officer Joshua Miktarian has died, according to the Twinsburg Police Department.

Bagio, a German Shepherd, was Miktarian's partner in 2008 when he was shot and killed in the line of duty. The dog was with Miktarian when the shooting happened.

Bagio retired from the force shortly after and was later diagnosed with cancer. Due to complications of his sickness, Bagio had to be put down on Monday.

The department posted the following message on their Facebook page following Bagio's passing:

"It is with great sadness that the Twinsburg Police Department announces the passing of K9-Bagio. Bagio was Officer Josh Miktarian's partner. Josh was killed in the line of duty in July of 2008. Josh and Bagio are now together again. Please keep Holly and Thea in your prayers tonight."

Ashford Thompson was convicted in the shooting death of Miktarian in 2009 and was scheduled to die on June 23, 2011 before he was granted a stay of execution earlier this year.