Miami Criminal Lawyer Discusses Recent Animal Cruelty Case

Our South Florida defense attorneys have been following an animal cruelty case out of South Miami-Dade. Tyler Weinman, 18, has been accused of mutilating and killing 19 cats in the region. He had been jailed pending a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, but was released on Wednesday on $249,500 bond and will face arraignment on July 6. His charges include 19 counts of felony animal cruelty, 19 counts of improperly disposing of an animal body, and four counts of burglary.

Weinman was arrested at a friend’s house on Sunday morning, and prosecutors have not released much information on why the teen is a suspect. His defense attorney was allowed to view, but not keep, the affidavit that outlines the evidence against the suspect.

Weinman was stopped for running a red light on May 15, and police say they questioned him about the cat killings at that point. He was also charged with marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license. One of his lawyers said the police jumped to conclusions about Weinman because of intense public outcry. His lawyers and several families maintain that the teen is innocent.

Accused cat killer Tyler Weinman freed on bond, Miami Herald, June 18, 2009
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the contact our Miami defense lawyers for a free initial consultation.