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Man Accused of “Maliciously” Killing a Cat With a Hammer

SALEM, OREGON — A 28-year-old man is still in custody having been accused of killing a cat with a hammer.

Police have not disclosed a motive for the killing, but according to court documents, Ryan Daniel Ortero is charged with one count of aggravated first-degree abuse of an animal.

Prosecutors allege Ortero “unlawfully and maliciously” killed a cat “by smashing her head with a hammer.”

Keizer police arrested Ortero a few days ago and booked him into the Marion County Jail.

His bail has been set at $50,000. The records show Ortero will be arraigned on Thursday afternoon.