FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 23, 2024
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net
Fourth suspect in animal abuse case arrested
Update 06/23/2024 | 9:00 p.m.
Over the weekend, Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives took into custody the fourth suspect involved in the killing of a cat in a southeast Salem neighborhood.
Officers responded to the call of the shooting death of a family pet in the early morning hours of May 10. The family’s video surveillance captured a recording of the animal’s killing.
In the weeks following the incident, three juvenile suspects (ages 15, 17, and 17) were identified and faced criminal proceedings in juvenile court.
On Saturday afternoon, June 22, the suspect determined to be the shooter was arrested at his residence without incident. The 16-year-old male juvenile was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on the charge of first-degree aggravated animal abuse.
All further inquiries concerning any of the juvenile arrests must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
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Additional juvenile in custody
Update 06/12/2024 | 8:00 p.m.
Today, Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives arrested another juvenile in the animal abuse case.
A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody at his residence in northeast Salem on the following charges:
- Aggravated animal abuse, first-degree
- Tampering with evidence
- Interfering with a peace officer
The juvenile was transported to the Marion County Juvenile Department. The case remains an active investigation. Anyone with information about the case can call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503‑588‑8477.
All further inquiries concerning any of the juvenile arrests made to date must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
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Originally published 06/05/2024 | 3:15 p.m.
Juveniles involved in animal abuse case referred to detention
Salem, Ore. — In the early morning hours of Friday, May 10, officers responded to the report of a cat that was shot and killed in the 2200 block of Lee ST SE. A surveillance system recorded the incident showing several suspects involved.
The case received much attention from the community after the cat’s owner released a video of several suspects with their pet. The recording showed one of the individuals shooting the cat several times.
Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives have identified two local teens connected to that incident. The male juveniles, each 17 years of age, were referred to the Marion County Juvenile Department on Tuesday, June 4, each charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse. One of the teens was also referred on the charge of evidence tampering.
Detectives have been investigating this incident and interviewed multiple individuals. However, the suspect who shot the animal remains unidentified and the weapon has not been recovered.
Initially, some tips were received, and detectives again ask for the public’s help to identify the primary suspect. Those with information about the case can call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503-588-8477.
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News outlets: This media release is available in Spanish here.