Missouri: Neighbors believe man found cradling pets is creepy cat killer

MISSOURI -- The feline-friendly neighborhood of Phelps Grove fears for the safety of the cats that typically roam the streets.  Residents like Gina Hutcherson are convinced there is a cat killer on the loose as 5 pet cats have turned up dead.

"This is a crime," said Hutcherson. "This is cruelty."

Hutcherson's cat, Pickle, was found mysteriously dead in a neighbor's yard.

 

"Seems so cold-hearted," said Hutcherson.  "There was obviously no remorse.  He was just tossed over a fence into someone else's backyard. It was a privacy fence from an alley so it was obviously intentional."

It could be the intentions of a man they believe is lurking around the neighborhood. Hutcherson says a few of her neighbors have found a man on the porch of their homes cradling their pet cats.  In one case, a homeowner approached the man, who said he was just admiring the owner's cat.

Neighbors believe this man is the one who may be killing their beloved pets.

"Even the neighbors that did follow him noticed his behavior was erratic," Hutcherson said.

Hutcherson's neighbor's cat was found dead

Hutcherson's beloved cat Pickle was also found dead

Mental health professionals say the behavior that neighbors described and the violent crimes against the cats are alarming.

"This individual is what is commonly known to the public as a sociopath. Someone with that diagnosis has no remorse. They just absolutely have no regard for anyone or anything else," said therapist Katie Brammer.

Brammer says, if a person is behind these violent animal killings, he needs a mental evaluation.

"Ultimately, there is a really high chance for him to escalate. So, now it's cats.  What's next?"

As for Hutcherson and the Phelps Grove neighborhood, they're glad police have increased patrol around their neighborhood.

 

Crime Stoppers of Greater Springfield offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and charges.

(KY3 - March 26, 2016)