ORANGEVALE, Calif. — People in Orangevale are worried about their safety after an accused cat killer was released on bond earlier this week. His arraignment was continued Thursday afternoon after he agreed to a ‘no animals’ condition.
ABC10 followed 18-year-old Colin Lendewig after he left the courthouse and asked him if he did the things he’s accused of, but he kept silent as angry community members yelled at him as he got into a truck and left. The 18-year-old was arrested Tuesday for cruelty to animals and petty theft.
It all started back in September when the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 9400 block of Deanna Avenue for a report of two cats being stolen. The caller said she had video evidence of an unknown person entering her property on two separate occasions.
The man is seen harming one of the cats the first time, and a second time he was seen stealing another cat. One was never returned, and the other was found dead nearby.
Neighbors like Denise Triplett are afraid of retaliation but are now demanding justice.
“I’ve been sickened, absolutely sickened, and I care about our community. I care about animals so much, and I’ve pretty much gone full force trying to find any information that I can to try to get him put away,” she said.
With Lendewig out on a $25,000 bond, neighbors fear he’ll do something worse.
“There were so many signs. Why didn’t anybody say anything? Well, here are the signs and this is what’s happening right now. Next time… what’s it going to be, people?” Triplett said.
During Thursday’s court hearing, Lendewig was ordered to stay at least 100 yards from the area where the incident happened. He also agreed not to own, possess, or retain any animals. His next court appearance is Nov. 17.
WATCH ALSO:
