New details released in Florida kitty serial killer case

July 09, 2009

A Florida judge has ordered Miami-Dade County prosecutors to make public the arrest affidavit for Tyler Hayes Weinman, an 18-year-old man from Palmetto Bay, Fla., who was arrested last month for his alleged involvement in a series of cat mutilations and killings that occurred in two South Florida communities. The arrest affidavit details 19 of the cat killings and also explains the events and circumstances that ultimately led to Weinman's arrest.

According to the affidavit, investigators had their first contact with Weinman in the early morning hours of May 14. Weinman was walking in the area of Whispering Pines Road in Cutler Bay, when an officer stopped and questioned him. During the brief interview, Weinman was informed of the cat killings, to which he allegedly responded by laughing.

An anonymous source later contacted police and informed them that they saw Weinman walking in the same neighborhood at about 3:00 a.m. Three hours later, a mutilated cat was reportedly found "several feet" from where Weinman had been observed.

The following day, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Weinman was again spotted in the area, this time skateboarding in the direction of Palmetto Bay. He was approached by police a second time and warned about the cat killings, to which he again allegedly responded by laughing. Later that day, police conducted a traffic stop on Weinman when he failed to stop his 2000 Honda Civic at a red light. During the course of the stop, officers found a discarded cutting instrument on the ground near the driver's door. Officers also found a bag containing 1 gram of marijuana. As a result, officers transported Weinman to the Cutler Bay police station, where they booked him on a drug charge and questioned him about the cat killings.

During questioning, investigators noticed Weinman had a "red-colored scratch" on his neck. When questioned about the scratch, Weinman stated that he got it from a stray cat at his mom's house. When asked about other scratches he might have, Weinman said that he had one on his back that he received when a cat climbed on him.

"Weinman was eager to show your affiant these scratches, at which time he removed his shirt and allowed photographs to be taken," the affidavit reads.

During further questioning, Weinman allegedly admitted knowledge of the cat killings and offered information about a biology class he had taken at Palmetto Senior High School, in which students are required to dissect a dead cat.

"Weinman further stated that cats can no longer be obtained for purposes of dissection from a source within the United States," the affidavit reads. "Weinman stated that Mexico is the only source for cats used for the purpose of dissection. Weinman described the size of the felines obtained from Mexico and specified that he had researched the issue and that he learned of the source on the Internet. Your affiant noted that Weinman became excited and animated as he described the cats supplied from Mexico."

Upon sharing his knowledge about the source of feline specimen's, Weinman allegedly demonstrated various methods of dissecting cats and described a "tearing sound" that is made when a cat's skin is torn from its body.

"He elaborated when describing the dissection techniques beyond that which was taught at Palmetto Senior High School that seemed to be consistent with personal experience," the affidavit reads.

When asked what tools the cat killer might be using, Weinman allegedly said he did not know, but suggested they would be "very well hidden." When asked how the cats were being captured, Weinman reportedly said, "They have to be either tranquilized or poisoned."

Continue reading >

Despite the alleged graphic descriptions of cat dissections, Weinman denied involvement in the killings and was subsequently released. In the days that followed, authorities ordered a psychological profile of the cat killer – the results of which they say match Weinman's behaviors and background. They also obtained two court orders, one for a tap and trace on Weinman's cell phone and another for a tracking device on his vehicle.

According to police, the monitoring devices showed that Weinman was in areas that were consistent with the dates and times of cat killings that occurred after he was questioned by police.

Based on the above and other information detailed in the affidavit, investigators secured search warrants for Weinman's divorced parents' houses and his car. Police allegedly found several knives hidden inside his bedroom, which they confiscated, along with other miscellaneous items, including clothing and a computer, which they sent off for forensic testing.

Tyler Hayes Weinman was arrested on June 14 and charged with 19 felony counts of animal cruelty, 19 misdemeanor counts of improperly disposing of an animal body and four felony counts of burglary related to the cat deaths.

Read the Affidavit

Weinman remained behind bars until June 17, when Judge John Thornton ruled that a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation showed that Weinman did not pose a danger to himself or the public. Per the conditions of his release, Weinman was ordered to attend psychiatric counseling twice a week and wear an electronic monitoring bracelet while he awaits trial. Weinman's parents, Douglas and Aiba Weinman, posted his $249,500 bond.

On July 6, Weinman pled not guilty to all 42 criminal counts. Following the brief hearing, Weinman's attorney, David Macey, spoke with reporters outside the courtroom.

"He did not kill the cats," Macey said. "The individual who committed this crime is still running around out there."

History

Since May 11, at least two dozen domestic cats have been found dead in the Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay areas. Many of the feline victims were gutted and skinned, while others were found drained of blood and missing limbs. According to local residents, the mutilations and killings stopped after Weinman's arrest.

If convicted on all felony counts, Weinman faces a minimum mandatory fine of $5,000 and six months in prison on each count.

Related Link:
Florida Police Seek Kitty Serial Killer
Florida Police Arrest Tyler Hayes Weinman in Kitty Serial Killer Case
Case against accused serial kitty killer based on circumstantial evidence

Photo Credit: Tyler Hayes Weinman: Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office

Please note: Persons appearing in mug shots may not have not been convicted of the charges for which they are accused and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Comments

[bee]

When did reporters become stenographers for the state?

You can easily search the net for stories exactly like this. i.e. bloodless cat bodies, that were cut with “surgical precision” and “posed to shock the owners” with organs removed and cat serial killers on the loose etc. evolving 20-30-40-50 cats in London, Colorado, Utah, San Jose California and other places and they all thought a human cat killer was responsible. Later through testing, consulting experts and sometimes by accident, they learned that foxes, dogs and coyotes did the dirty deed. And Tyler Weinman’s friends have a lot of good things to say about him that conflicts with what the state claims. This story is completely lopsided and I would give it a minus 5 if I could.

[Kate]

This comment by "bee" is almost as bizarre as the case. What about the fact that his car was near every cat murder? What about the knives that were found? I'm sure they will find feline blood on them. Did the foxes know to stop mutilating cats once this sicko was arrested? Get a clue! Friend and family came to Scott Peterson's defense too, it doesn't not make him a killer! This person is a serial killer in the making- I wish they would lock him up and throw away the key.

[dawn]

Were any mutilated cats found after his arrest????????????????????????

[Katie]

This kitty killer disgusts me to no end. When I read this I became physically sick to my stomach. What does it take for judges to realize the warning signs of a future serial killer? If someone can do these things to an innocent animal, what are they capable of doing to a child or other innocent person?

[DigDeeper]

AFFIDAVIT:Analysis:

http://www.facebook.com/georgia.view?ref=profile#/topic.php?uid=92674092627&topic=9213

[Linda]

How many more defenseless cats would be dead if the police had let him go the second time?

BEE...wake up and smell the roses. Would you think the same way if it were "people" who were being wholesale slaughtered?

This young man is still innocent until trial and I agree with that. However there is enough circumstantial evidence to charge him!

BTK Killer, Scott Peterson...both sets of friends and families were shocked!! The truth is : NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT THEIR LOVED ONES.

[Hallie]

According to media reports, there have been no additional killings/mutilations since his arrest. Hopefully, SA can build a strong case and get this kid some help.

[Yvonnda Birtpm]

You should do some Texas prison work. My brother is in the pen for nearly 12 years with a 50 year sentence, and they have lost his DNA that would prove his innocence.

[Joe]

What a weird thing to do. Doesn't this kids have anything better to do than kill cats for fun?

[Steve]

I had my doubts from the begining that Tyler did this, and after reading the so called "evidence", i'm convinced he is innocent. he had to have a psychiatric evaluation prior to bail, so theres even more proof he is no sociopath. time to drop the charges and look for the real culprits.

[Justice]

Kate is right: This person is a serial killer in the making.
Some of the other comments I am sure are friends, or family of this psycho.

[kix]

good that he's
arrested,.,.,.

[Angel]

I hope that they take the "kitty killer" off of the street soon and for as long as possible. I believe this to be one of the first steps in becoming a serial killer. And if this person is aloud to continue, it probably will not be long before they graduate to killing people. Plus, it's just disturbing.

[Jenny]

As someone who lives right by this area there are no coyotes and foxes here, we live in Florida not Colorado, the only animals that show up around suburban neighborhoods are possums and rats which cats can easily defend themselves from. Also, there have been no further reports on dead cats since he was arrested.

[Miami]

Useful Article.

[j.stephen.h]

Actually Steve commentor..no, it isnt proof that hes not a sociopath..as a general rule of thumb they are very clever and charming...it wouldnt be the first time a sociopath fooled a shrink, and wont be the last. I'm not implying that makes him guilty, i lack the appropriate means for that assessment..but it IS certainly indicative of a budding sociopath who will likely escalate and continue his work. ANGEL...there is no formal "first step" to becoming a serial killer, it varies for each as to what triggers it...but animal mutilation IS part of the Classic mcdonald Triad most common statistically amongst serial killers. (pyromania, animal torture and/or cruelty to smaller children, bedwetting) I think its Good that Mr. Lohr reports on such matters though because its letting the public be aware that there may be certain antisocial elements around. Investigators in this instance should also check for things Like Police related memorabilia i.e. true crime books about serial killers, fake badges and guns, or disguises ect it seems to me that this was somewhat of an attention starved thing too (not to be cliche') but the guy getting animated while discussing the act of dissection and indicating weapons would be "well hidden" thats often a big part of the ruse. He was either setting himself up in a way to appear that he wasn't...for attention sake, OR inserting himself into the investigation and trying to appear helpful as is common in many sociopaths...it allows them to keep a certain element of control in the matter.

[Someone]

First of all, this maniac was signed up to be a camp counselor at my toddler cousin's day camp before he got arrested. I'm glad they caught him before he wanted to know the sound ripping skin off a child sounds like.

Secondly, the only people who proclaim his innocence are people who know him. They can't take the fact that they have been duped into thinking he's a normal 18 year old. Anyone who laughs at the thought of someone going around mutilating cats is off their rocker. I don't want him walking the streets again. Ever.