Woodhaven man indicted in alleged killing of girlfriend’s cat in Queens apartment
QUEENS, N.Y. – A 23-year-old Woodhaven man has been indicted on animal cruelty and related charges after prosecutors say he killed his girlfriend’s cat in a violent attack inside her apartment earlier this year.
Jalen Gonzalez was arraigned Tuesday on a grand jury indictment charging him with aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal mischief, attempted assault, and harassment. Prosecutors allege the January incident left the cat, named Kitty, with extensive and fatal injuries.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz described the case in stark terms. “This animal endured one of the most gratuitously violent deaths that we have ever seen in the borough of Queens,” said Katz. “As alleged, defendant Jalen Gonzalez was upset with his girlfriend and turned his ire on the woman’s pet, named Kitty. The cat was stretched to the point where her head was severed from her spine, and she sustained a crushed skull, fractured jaw and numerous other injuries. No animal or person should ever suffer this way. This is another horrifying example of why New York needs stronger animal cruelty laws to permit appropriate penalties in such cases.”
Key Points
In case you missed it, Queens player grabs major Powerball prize after Monday drawing.
- Woodhaven man indicted for alleged killing of girlfriend’s cat in January
- Prosecutors say animal suffered severe, fatal injuries during incident
- Defendant faces up to two years in jail if convicted; case not bail eligible
Incident inside apartment led to arrest
According to the charges, the incident occurred just after midnight on January 12 inside the victim’s residence, where Gonzalez and his girlfriend had been together. Prosecutors allege the defendant became intoxicated and refused to leave the apartment.
Authorities said Gonzalez allegedly grabbed the woman’s leg and squeezed it before she managed to break away, leave the apartment, and call a relative for help.
When the woman returned with her uncle, Gonzalez was allegedly seen holding the cat by the neck and hind leg and stretching the animal. Officials said the cat had visible injuries, including broken limbs and blood on its body, while blood spatter and vomit were observed throughout the room.
Forensic findings detail extent of injuries
A forensic veterinarian later conducted a necropsy and determined the cat suffered multiple severe injuries, including a crushed skull, fractured jaw, torn internal organs, and fractures to dozens of ribs. The examination also found the animal’s head had been internally severed from its spine.
Gonzalez was arrested at the scene by NYPD officers. Justice Diego Freire ordered him to return to court on July 21. The charges are not eligible for bail under New York law, and he faces up to two years in jail if convicted.
Developing now, Search Intensifies for Missing 18-Year-Old Last Seen Near Susquehanna River in Tioga County.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katira Campos of the Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of senior prosecutors within the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Also happening, 65-Year-Old Man Beaten During Attempted Robbery Near Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn, NYPD Says.