Hearing Nears for Reno Man Accused of Beheading Dogs |

A defense lawyer says a 24-year-old Reno man accused of killing and dismembering several dogs will go forward with a preliminary hearing if a plea deal can't be worked out with Washoe County prosecutors.

Jason Brown is scheduled to appear Thursday in Reno Justice Court on seven felony counts of willfully torturing and killing dogs, and two methamphetamine possession charges.

Brown was arrested in July after detectives found a decapitated dog and four dog heads in a small refrigerator in his room at a Reno motel.

Defense attorney John Oakes tells the Reno Gazette-Journal he's trying to work out a "decent solution" before the preliminary hearing.

Oakes previously said Brown may need a psychiatric evaluation.

If convicted of all counts, Brown could face more than 20 years in prison. (AP)