Charlotte, North Carolina – On April 24, somebody posted a horrific, heartbreaking video of a possum being burned alive to social media. The heart-wrenching video shows three men dousing the innocent possum in an accelerant and then setting her on fire. The video sparked justifiable outrage, with numerous tips being phoned to wildlife and police officials. And though the identity of the two sadistic individuals appears to be known, only one person has been arrested.
On May 8, police arrested 30-year-old Cameron Bernard Torrence from Mint Hill on multiple charges, including instigating animal cruelty, fleeing and eluding arrest, and violating probation. Torrence is accused of unlawfully instigating or promoting cruelty to animals by participating in the burning of a live opossum and posting a video of the incident on Facebook. According to an affidavit, the video was uploaded to Torrence’s Facebook page on April 24 and depicted the opossum being doused with lighter fluid and then set on fire.
WARNING EXTREMELEY SAD, GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING VIDEO
Although the video has since been deleted from his page, it has been shared thousands of times by other accounts. The video features at least two individuals, with a third person recording the act. Torrence appeared in court virtually on Friday and was given a secured bond of $10,000. His next hearing regarding the animal cruelty charge is scheduled for August1.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has found several people of interest related to the video. “We are looking into all leads,” said Senior Officer Kristofer Blankenship. There are multiple people of interest in the case.”
Possible suspects below:
Animal Victory needs your signature now to hold them accountable when all suspects have been arrested! Please add your name and help us get justice for this innocent opossum who suffered in the worst way possible.
WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS:
We, the undersigned, demand these individuals be held accountable for dousing an opossum in accelerant and setting her on fire. Investigators have stated that they have more persons of interest, and we insist that these people be arrested and charged for this evil and heartless crime!
Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold these individuals accountable not only denies justice for the innocent opossum burned alive but also endangers the community at large. It is imperative that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.
Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.
Note: Opossums are gentle, shy creatures who play a vital role in the environment by controlling pests like ticks and insects. With a naturally low body temperature that makes them highly resistant to rabies, these misunderstood animals deserve compassion, not cruelty.
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