Peoria Standard

Paul E. Cox III, 34, has been sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals. The case arose from an incident on October 29, 2024, at the Lexington Hills Apartment Complex in Peoria, Illinois.

Police were called to the scene following a report of trouble involving a male. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Cox's girlfriend. She reported that after being dropped off at her apartment by Cox, she informed him that she no longer wished to continue their relationship. According to her statement, Cox became upset and entered her apartment. He then allegedly grabbed her kitten by the neck and threatened to kill it.

The police later discovered the kitten dead outside the apartment.