Case Details

Burned, mutilated remains of approx 30 animals found
Nanticoke, PA (US)

Date: Apr 3, 2004
Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 2160
Classification: Mutilation/Torture
Animal: dog (non pit-bull), deer, cat, bird (wildlife)
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Reward: $250.00
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The remains of about 25 to 30 burned and mutilated birds, deer, dogs and cats were found in a stone pit in a remote wooded area behind West Main Street, police said. Police, animal welfare officials and the Pennsylvania Game Commission are investigating the find, but officials could not immediately say whether the slayings were ritualistic in nature.

"It's fairly obvious that it isn't legitimate hunters or trappers," Nanticoke police Officer Kevin Grevera said. "We do have additional information we are following up on."

Grevera said officers recently received a complaint of a black Labrador retriever found with its paws cut off, although it wasn't immediately clear whether that case is connected.

Most of the remains in the pit were skeletal. Other animals appear to have been skinned, their bodies still mainly intact. Some fur was visible, along with deer legs, chopped inches above the hooves.

Nanticoke resident John Hall has offered a $250 reward through the police department to anyone who helps bring an arrest.

Hall and his friend, Robert Belcher Jr., learned of the pit after Belcher's 15-year-old son discovered it while riding an all-terrain vehicle. Hall is familiar with the area, where he walks his dog.

"I'm out here every day," Hall said. "When I heard about this, I thought, 'Oh, how terrible.'"

Grevera was unsure how long the remains had been there. He said charges could include cruelty to animals, reckless burning and conspiracy.

References

CBS 3

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