Tamesha Knighten, a 51-year-old licensed practical nurse, has been charged with three counts of felony animal cruelty and one count of depositing poison in a public area. Knighten, who works for United Health Care at Wellmed in Lakeland, is accused of poisoning her neighbors’ two cats and a pregnant Chihuahua, resulting in the deaths of the animals and the dog’s eight unborn puppies.
The investigation began when the victims’ cats, Luna and Pancake, died exhibiting symptoms of choking, inability to breathe, and foaming at the mouth. Shortly after, their pregnant Chihuahua, Daisy, was found deceased along with her unborn puppies.
Knighten had reportedly threatened to poison the pets if they entered her yard. Evidence of her involvement was gathered from a white Styrofoam bowl containing a white meaty substance and dark material found in the victims’ yard, which matched items found in Knighten’s pantry. Video footage showed Knighten handling a similar bowl while wearing gloves.
The substance in the bowl, confirmed to contain Phorate, a pesticide, was identified as the cause of the animals’ suffering and deaths. Knighten, despite the evidence, has denied the allegations. Her criminal history includes a previous arrest for aggravated battery in September 2013. Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the case, highlighting the severity and heartlessness of the crime.