Crime
Alejandro Acosta Oliveros Arrested in Connection to Serial Cat Killings and Abductions Across Orange County
SANTA ANA, CA — A man accused of abducting and killing numerous cats across Orange County has been taken into custody, Santa Ana police confirmed Wednesday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, 45, of Santa Ana, who has been dubbed a “serial cat killer” by law enforcement.
Officers executed a search warrant at Oliveros’ residence on Wilshire Avenue, where he was arrested without incident.
In a video posted to the Santa Ana Police Department’s official Instagram account, investigators revealed that Oliveros has already confessed to his actions.
However, authorities noted that the full extent of the crimes is still under investigation.
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not disclosed the total number of cats believed to have been harmed, but detectives indicated that the number could be substantial. “We believe the scope of this case is significant,” an official stated. “We’re working diligently to uncover how many animals may have been affected.”
Concerns about the suspect had been building for weeks, as numerous Santa Ana residents reported disturbing incidents involving missing or harmed cats.
Many shared surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts online, warning neighbors—particularly pet owners—of a man seen luring cats from private yards and neighborhoods.
One particularly notable case occurred on March 21 in Westminster, where surveillance video captured a man, believed to be Oliveros, seizing Clubber, a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat.
Although Clubber was eventually recovered and returned home, the suspect evaded capture until this week.
Following the initial catnapping reports, the situation escalated when residents began to suspect that the stolen cats were being killed.
On platforms such as Nextdoor, disturbing accounts emerged.
One resident described witnessing a man bind a cat’s legs and carry it away.
Another user reported that a neighbor’s cat died after allegedly being injected with an unknown substance by the suspect.
“We saw the camera footage—this guy just grabbed a cat, tied its legs, and walked off toward McFadden,” one post read. Another wrote: “My neighbor’s cat was killed. He was injected with something and didn’t survive.”
In light of these revelations, police believe Oliveros may be responsible for multiple such acts across Santa Ana and possibly other nearby communities.
Authorities are working to determine whether any additional suspects are involved and are in the process of compiling evidence to present to the District Attorney’s Office.
Santa Ana Police officials have indicated that formal charges could be filed within the coming days.
The investigation remains ongoing, and residents are urged to report any suspicious activity or relevant information that could assist in the case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Ana Police Department.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.