Case Details

Pigeons found mutilated
Hollywood, CA (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Jan 13, 2006
County: Los Angeles
Local Map: available
Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 7617
Classification: Mutilation/Torture
Animal: bird (wildlife)
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Someone � perhaps as part of a ritual sacrifice � is killing pigeons in the area, leaving their decapitated remains on the street. An incident in which the gruesome remains of two pigeons were discovered along the 9000 block of Elevado Avenue has been reported to the West Hollywood Sheriff�s Station and has even made the rounds among animal activists. Authorities, however, said that while the killings could be ritualistic, they may also be simply a prank.

The bizarre pigeons� slaying � which police believe happened around midnight on Friday, Jan. 13, 2006 � have baffled authorities who are urging the public to come forward with any information on the crime.

West Hollywood Sheriff�s Det. John Kniest, who is in charge of the case, said he has not determined the symbolism of chalk-drawn astrological signs and other items found at the crime scene. �I don�t know what it is. I�ve been in touch with several sources from various parts of the society, and I�ve gotten all kinds of ideas what it could mean. I do not know for sure,� Kniest said. �The ideas are everything from teenage dabblers to something related to the occult.�

A resident whose first name is David � he spoke for the story on condition that his last name not be used � said he had discovered the remains in the early morning hours and called the sheriff�s department. The beheaded pigeons were laid carefully in the middle of a blood-sprayed circle, surrounded by candles. Someone had drawn astrological signs, circles and an unknown diagram, which he and others later discovered was a �heartagram� (fusion of a heart symbol and a pentagram) around the bloodied pigeons. A white paper bag filled with rice and two pennies were buried underneath the birds, he said. Police said this case is unique compared to previous West Hollywood animal abuses cases, such as mutilated cats found on people�s lawns that were likely the work of coyotes. According to Kniest, a witness told police that a person was seen smoking and loitering in that area around midnight. Authorities are trying to track down the pigeons� owners from identification bands, wrapped around its feet, which belong to the Oklahoma-based American Pigeon Racing Union.

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References

Los Angeles Independent - March 12, 2006

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