Cambridge authorities have arrested a suspect in a number of gruesome cat shootings and killings in East Cambridge, Mass.
Officers arrested Rashard Gober, 31, at his home on July 1 following a joint investigation by the Cambridge Police Department, the City of Cambridge Animal Commission, and the MSPCA, according to a Cambridge PD press release.
Gosher has been charged with four counts of animal cruelty for his alleged role in shooting two community cats — one who died — and chemically burning another cat to death.
Cambridge police who responded to a report of a dying animal in May found Gosha, a beloved tuxedo cat, already dead under a car with his back legs taped together and 11 BB gun pellets in his tiny body.
While investigating that crime, officers also received reports of Tammy, a cat also injured by BB gun pellets who survived her injuries, and Buddy, a cat who died after being burned with chemicals.
Police said Gober claimed to have found an already-injured Buddy in his backyard, at which time he allegedly notified the guardian and returned the cat.
But, after following up on tips from community members, police located key evidence at Gober’s apartment, in his vehicle, and on his phone and arrested him, according to the police department press release.
Animal cruelty is a felony crime in Massachusetts. If convicted, Gober will face up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Officers invested significant resources in the investigation because of the great alarm that the cases caused in East Cambridge Community, said Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr. of the Cambridge Police Department.
“We are grateful for the community’s ongoing support during our investigation, and I commend the excellent investigative work conducted by our Detectives and partners that resulted in this arrest,” Bard said.
We thank the more than 38,000 people who signed LFT’s petition demanding justice for Gosha. And we will continue to follow this case as it now works its way through the court system to ensure accountability for whomever intentionally injured and killed these innocent animals.
Help us stand up for animals once again by signing our new petition, asking for maximum prosecution for whomever harmed these cats, including a lifelong ban on ever having animals.
SIGN: Justice For Kittens Shot and Burned To Death By Serial Cat Killer
