Maimed cat beaten, set on fire Lorton, VA (US) Incident Date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2004 County: Fairfax Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abusers/Suspects: » Carlos Blanco - Dismissed » Aaron Melendez - Dismissed » Juvenile » Juvenile » Juvenile - Dismissed

Case ID: 6760 Classification: Burning - Caustic Substance, Beating Animal: cat View more cases in VA (US) Login to Watch this Case

The case against three adults and three juveniles accused of taking part in the brutal killing of a cat has been closed with no jail time sentenced. An investigation revealed that a juvenile encouraged a pit bull to attack a defenseless tabby cat named Mamas. After the dog was called off, Carlos Blanco, 18, Aaron Melendez, 18, and the juveniles began to beat the maimed cat. They then reportedly put the still-breathing cat in a wheelbarrow, doused her with flammable liquid and set her on fire.

Blanco was charged with cruelty to animals, Melendez with cruelty to animals and maliciously setting a fire, and the three juveniles were charged with cruelty to animals and setting a fire. All animal cruelty and arson charges are class 6 felonies. The owner of the dog, Irene Littlejohn, 32, was charged with owning a dangerous dog and released on summons.

Two of the juveniles pleaded guilty and were sentenced to one year probation and community service. They were also banned from their gang hangout. Psychological treatment is reportedly at the discretion of the probation officer. A third juvenile's charges were dismissed due to a lack of proof of participation.

The case against the adults led to a nol-pros, a Latin term for "We shall no longer prosecute." In a nutshell, the prosecutor simply stated that she would no longer pursue the matter. Generally, prosecutors need a judge�s permission to �nol-pros� a case, and in this case they got it.

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References

ALDF - February 23, 2004

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