Peoria Standard

November 25, 2024, Peoria, IL – Paul E. Cox III, aged 34, faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals following the death of his girlfriend's kitten. The incident occurred after she ended their relationship. A detention hearing was held today where the State’s Petition to Detain was granted, ensuring Cox remains in custody until trial.

The police were called to the Lexington Hills Apartment Complex around 2 a.m. on October 29, 2024, responding to a report involving a male individual. Officers interviewed Cox's girlfriend who explained that after he dropped her off at her apartment and she ended their relationship, Cox became upset. He entered her apartment and took hold of the kitten by its neck. According to reports, Cox informed his girlfriend's younger sibling of his intention to kill the kitten. Police later discovered the kitten deceased outside the apartment complex.

Cox was apprehended over the past weekend as investigations continue into this case. Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.