Santa Ana, California – A 46-year-old man from Santa Ana is facing multiple felony charges after being accused of luring neighborhood cats with food and violently killing them over several months, according to authorities.
Authorities charged Alejandro Oliveros Acosta with two felony counts of animal cruelty, one felony count of theft of a companion animal, and one misdemeanor count of drug possession. Orange County Superior Court is set to arraign Acosta on Wednesday.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Acosta is suspected of a string of brutal attacks on cats in Santa Ana and Westminster beginning in November 2024. Witnesses reported seeing a man using canned food to lure cats before allegedly beating or stomping them to death. One of the cats, a Bengal Lynx named Clubber, was stolen in Westminster in March but was later recovered after surveillance footage of the suspect was released.
Authorities said Acosta was linked to at least seven reported cases of animal cruelty, with victims found suffering from broken backs, bloody injuries, and in some cases, fatal wounds. Security video from April 5 reportedly captured Acosta fatally stomping a cat, while an April 3 incident involved a man seen slamming a cat to the ground.
Authorities arrested Acosta on April 24 following a joint investigation by the Santa Ana and Westminster police departments. A search of his home yielded evidence tying him to the crimes. Police also found methamphetamine on his person.
Although initially released on $40,000 bail, Acosta’s release sparked outrage among animal rights advocates and community members. A nighttime vigil held outside his home on April 27 turned chaotic, with some attendees vandalizing property and throwing objects, prompting a warning from police about maintaining public order.
“This is a deeply disturbing case involving the brutal and senseless killing of innocent animals,” the DA’s office said in a statement Tuesday, adding that it is now seeking to raise Acosta’s bail to $100,000, citing concerns for public safety.
Acosta could face more than five years in prison if convicted on all charges.
The case remains under active investigation, and prosecutors say additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.
