Sign: Baylor Graduate Killed Cats and Hung Them on Utility Lines

Published: June 04, 2025 at 10:45 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

Waco, Texas – A 22-year-old graduate of Baylor University is facing a third-degree felony of cruelty to a non-livestock animal for killing two cats with a pellet gun and throwing their bodies over a utility line in the 1700 block of S. 9th St. near Bagby Avenue.

The accused, James Barnes, a management graduate and member of Baylor’s Kappa Omega Tau fraternity, allegedly shot the cats in the head and then secured a string, connected to a shoe, around their bodies. The hanging cats were discovered by Ciara Dunlap and her son, who were driving through the intersection on May 20. The situation was reported to the Waco Animal Control, and an investigation was opened. Multiple tips led detectives to James Barnes.

The Waco Police detective’s arrest warrant states:

“Two dead cats were found tied with a piece of string with a shoe attached to one end. The cats were removed, and an autopsy revealed that both cats had been shot in the head before being tied to the shoe and thrown over the line.”

Specifying what happened:

“After he had killed the cats, he brought them to a house located on S. 9th, and he [Barnes] and another person recorded each other repeatedly trying to throw the cats over the lines until they finally were successful.”

THERE IS EVIDENCE! THE RECORDING AND OF COURSE THE IMAGES THAT FOLLOW.

Click (the word graphic) to view clear images. Please be advised that they are disturbing. Graphic.

Baylor University wrote in a statement emailed to the Baylor Lariat about the cruel incident:

“Baylor University is aware that a former Baylor student has turned himself in to the Waco Police Department, taking responsibility for a situation the University maintains is abhorrent and does not reflect Baylor’s Christian values. We can confirm the individual graduated on May 17, and any other questions regarding the individual should be directed to the Waco Police Department.”

This is a truly sadistic, senseless crime that must be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Barnes’ third-degree felony charge is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000; with your support, Animal Victory will fight for the maximum penalty. Please add your name to the petition today.

Target: Criminal District Attorney Josh Tetens

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that James Barnes be held accountable for killing these innocent cats and sadistically displaying their bodies in such a gruesome manner. This man’s cruel actions must be met with the harshest consequences to ensure that he can never inflict such horror on an animal again. These cats were targeted by this man and their lives were stolen; we do not want to see a paltry slap-on-the-wrist for this man; we want significant prison time, the maximum fine, and a lifetime ban on owning or residing with animals.

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 this man accountable not only denies justice for the innocent cats whose lives were cruelly stolen but also endangers the community at large. We must 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: James Barnes is being held at the McLennan County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

News:

Baylor Lariat

KWTX

KCEN

Texas Final 2025

CASE UPDATES

Update 10/26/2026: Key Details of the Plea

Plea Entered: Barnes entered an open plea of guilty to the court in October 2026.
The Charges: Two third-degree felony counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Punishment Recommendation: The McLennan County District Attorney’s Office made no punishment recommendation.
Defense Request: Barnes is seeking deferred probation and has waived possible appeals.
Sentencing: Judge Susan Kelly of the 54th State District Court will determine his sentence after reviewing a background report, with sentencing scheduled for January 2027.

Update 10/23/2026: James Barnes pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals, third-degree felonies punishably by up to 10 years in prison, on Wednesday. Barnes is seeking deferred probation and has waived possible appeals.

Update 10/19/2026: Animal Victory sent updated petition signatures to the DA. 

Update 10/01/2026: Defendant James Cameron Barnes, Case #2026-1584-C2 scheduled hearing 10/09/2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Susan Kelly – Conference – 54th District Court Room.

Update 9/1/2026: Upcoming hearings for Defendant James Cameron Barnes.  All hearings are in the 54th District Court Room, Case #2026-1584-C2.

10/02/2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Susan Kelly – Pre-Trial Hearing.

10/09/2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Susan Kelly – Conference

10/12/2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge, District Court – Pre-Trial Conference

10/16/2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Susan Kelly – Final Trial Docket

10/19/2026 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Susan Kelly – Trial

Update: James Cameron Barnes was indicted on two felony animal-cruelty counts on June 25, 2026. His defense attorney waived his arraignment on July 13, eliminating the July 31 arraignment. The case is now proceeding to the trial docket, anticipated for late September 2026. No specific trial date has been publicly confirmed that I can verify at this time.

Update 6/30/2026: James Cameron Barnes will be arraigned on July 31 at 9:00 a.m. District Attorney prosecuting this case is ADA Mickey Sirkel. Again, it is possible that Barnes’ Defense Attorney will file a “Waiver of Arraignment ” in which case, the case will go straight to trial docket sometime in late September of 2026. Arraignment will be held at the 54th District Court before Judge Susan J. Kelly.

KWTX.COM update 

YOUR SIGNATURES AT WORK!

Update 6/29/2026: On June 25, 2026, James Cameron Barnes was formally indicted by a McLennan County grand jury on two counts of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals (Cause No. 2026-1584-C2). Both counts are third-degree felonies under Texas, punishable up to 10 years each in jail under the law.

Update 6/5/2026: WE’RE GETTING FED UP! Starting to smell corruption! Attorney Tetens regarding James Cameron Barnes Waco Police Case #25-6572

Update 3/13/2026: We wanted to share the latest information regarding this deeply disturbing case. After speaking directly with the office, we’ve learned that the case is currently in the screening phase. Due to a backlog of cases prior to 2025, prosecutors are just now beginning to catch up.

Here’s what that means:

Cases where a defendant is in jail typically move quickly (often within 90 days)
In this case, the defendant is out on bond, which can significantly slow the process
During screening, Assistant District Attorneys are reviewing the evidence to determine whether to move forward with an indictment

Important:
Screening also means there is a possibility—however unacceptable it may be—that prosecutors could decide there is not enough evidence to proceed.

💔 We cannot let this case quietly disappear.

The allegations in this case are horrific, and it is critical that it receives the attention and consideration it deserves.

Please continue to:

Share this petition
Raise awareness
Keep public attention on this case

Public pressure matters, and it can make the difference between action and inaction.

We will continue to monitor this case closely and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. Thank you for standing with us and for being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Update 12/15/2025: This case is still open and pending per the McLennan County, TX DA office. James Barnes has been charged, but the case has not been indicted and is stalled. We are asking supporters to respectfully urge the District Attorney to move this case forward. Waco Police Case #25-6572. Until he is indicated, a formal case number and assignment of an ADA managing case will not occur. Indictment delays can result from routine investigative, procedural, or scheduling factors.

What can you do? Place pressure for timely prosecution – Call or Email: Josh Tetens, Criminal District Attorney 254-757-5084

Optional Email Script: (Copy and paste into email).

Subject Line:
Request for Indictment – James Barnes Animal Cruelty Case (Waco Police Case #25-6572)

To: McLennan County District Attorney’s Office,

I am writing to respectfully urge your office to move forward with indictment in the James Barnes animal cruelty case (Waco Police Case #25-6572). While charges have been filed, the case has not yet been formally indicted, and this delay is deeply concerning given the severity of the allegations.

Acts of animal cruelty are violent and intentional crimes that impact both public safety and community trust. This case deserves serious attention, and we are asking that it receive full and appropriate attention. Thank you for your time and for your service to the community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[City, State]

Email to: 

lisa.blakemore@mclennan.gov

tracy.viladevall@mclennan.gov

ella.davis@mclennan.gov

 Optional Phone Script: Contact the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office-254-757-5084

Hello, my name is ___. I am calling regarding the James Barnes animal cruelty case (Waco Police Case #25-6572) to respectfully request that the case proceed to indictment. This case is extremely serious, and we want to ensure it receives full attention. Thank you.

Update 9/10/2025: Animal Victory contacted the Criminal Division to see if Barnes had been indicted yet. They needed a D.O.B., so we left a voicemail for Detective James to provide an update on the case. Waco Police case #25-6572.

Update 8/10/2025: Animal Victory has spoken with the McLennan County Court Clerk, and the Grand Jury has not yet indicted James Cameron Barnes.