A woman accused of throwing a live dog into an Oklahoma lake while he was locked inside a kennel has now pleaded guilty in a case that drew widespread attention among animal lovers across the country.

Kyleigh Lain Estes admitted responsibility for the loss of Nate, a five-year-old dog who was found at the bottom of Grand Lake after being thrown into the water while confined inside a crate.

According to investigators, Estes placed Nate inside the kennel, waited for him to settle down, carried the crate onto a dock, and then pushed it into the lake.

The discovery was made when a local resident noticed the kennel near a pier. Nate was later recovered from the water, still inside the crate.

Authorities said the dog belonged to Estes’ estranged husband.

During interviews with police, Estes acknowledged her actions. She reportedly said she was dealing with emotional stress during an ongoing divorce and believed the dog had become aggressive and was nearing the end of his life.

However, Nate’s owner strongly disputed those claims, telling investigators the dog had never shown signs of aggressive behavior.

The case quickly gained widespread attention, with many people expressing shock over the circumstances surrounding Nate’s passing.

Now, in the latest development, Estes has formally pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty charges.

During sentencing, the judge described her actions as “extremely disturbing” and said the case had deeply affected the local community.

Estes received a five-year deferred sentence and will remain under probation supervision. As part of the court’s ruling, she must also complete mental health evaluations, anger management classes, cognitive behavioral programs, and substance abuse treatment.

For many following the case, the guilty plea marks a major development in a story that has drawn strong public reaction since Nate’s passing first came to light.

Animal welfare advocates say they hope the case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the serious consequences of animal cruelty.