Miami Cat Killer Released on Bail

June 18, 2009 by Suzanne Conlon

A teenager accused of killing and mutilating 19 pet cats in Miami, Florida, has been released on bond and is under surveillance.  Tyler Weinman, 18, was fitted with an ankle bracelet for electronic monitoring and escorted home by Miami-Dade Police. He also has been charged with improper disposal of dead animals and burglary in the month-long cat killing spree.

Judge John Thornton ordered Weinman released after a court-appointed psychiatrist found the teen was mentally competent and not a danger to himself or others.  He was ordered to undergo psychiatric counseling twice a week.  Weinman, who had been on suicide watch, flashed a quick smile to photographers and reporters as he entered the courtroom. He made no statements at the hearing.

"He's an innocent man. There's no evidence," said defense attorney Michael Walsh. He maintains that police rushed to arrest Weinman without evidence because of an intense public outcry over the cat killings. "When the case starts to unfold, you'll see," Walsh added.

The teen was arrested at a party in Miami on Saturday night. Police allege that Weinman is responsible for the vicious series of cat killings in neighborhoods south of Miami. Most of the animals were found gutted on front lawns over the last month.  Some of the carcasses were posed, police said.

Thornton ordered the court file sealed. Investigators said Weinman might have been part of a ring committing the crimes.  "This is an ongoing investigation. We're looking to see if any other individuals are involved," said Terry Chavez, a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office.

"Police say a lot of things," Walsh responded. "There obviously has been a public outcry to solve this crime, and that motivates police in certain directions. And now, this young man has to sit there and bear the allegations."

Weinman was charged with 19 counts of animal cruelty with intent to harm and kill. He faces up to 158 years in prison if convicted of all counts. He was arrested after phone tips came in to the police and he was immediately placed under surveillance.

As he left court, the suspect's father, Douglas Weinman vehemently denied that his son was guilty.   "We've seen him play with our pets for years and he's a great kid and he plays with pets and he's fine with them," he said.

Weinman is due back in court July 6 for arraignment.