Man Strangles Cat-Attempts To Burn Her Face With Blowtorch

Published: October 28, 2025 at 01:28 AM Author: Penny Eims

Decatur, Illinois – On October 25, 2025, 41-year-old Justin S. Shadwell was arrested by the Decatur Police Department. Shadwell’s arrest follows a series of disturbing incidents, including trespassing, assaulting a police officer, and animal cruelty that claimed the life of an innocent cat.

A witness informed the police that Shadwell was seen strangling a cat at East Grand Avenue and North Woodford Street, reporting that the cat “appeared to be deceased.” Officers located Shadwell “swinging the dead animal and twirling it above his head,” a horrifying and senseless act of cruelty that shocked those who witnessed it.

Even after police confronted him, demanding that Shadwell drop the cat, he refused and instead tried to burn the cat’s face with a blowtorch-style lighter.

The deceased cat had visible injuries and white fabric tied around the neck.

Shadwell resisted arrest, engaged in a physical struggle with officers, and fled. He was ultimately arrested in the 1700 block of East Locust Street with the assistance of additional officers. He faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty, aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Please add your name to the petition to hold this violent man accountable for his actions! This cat’s life mattered, and Shadwell must face the maximum sentence for the charges resulting from the October 25 incidents! This was not a momentary lapse or poor judgment; it was deliberate, blatant cruelty.

It is critical that we send a message that animal abuse and torture will never be dismissed as a minor offense because these violent crimes demand a serious response.

Target: Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office, Attn: Diane Couri‑Whithaus, State’s Attorney

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Justin S. Shadwell be held accountable for his unprovoked, violent attack on an innocent cat who lost her life. This grown man strangled a cat, swinging her over his head, and then he attempted to burn her face with a blowtorch lighter! This cat suffered unimaginable fear and pain in her final moments, and her death must not be minimized. It is our collective demand that Shadwell face the maximum sentence for every charge stemming from the incidents on October 25, 2025. We also demand that this man be permanently banned from owning, residing with, or working with animals. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these brutal acts are held fully accountable.

Research shows a clear link between animal cruelty and human violence. Those who harm animals often pose a danger to people as well. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice to the animals he brutalized but also puts the entire community at risk.

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: We do not know if the cat in this case was male or female. We have chosen to refer to this innocent creature as she because she was a living, feeling creature who deserves to be spoken of with dignity and respect.

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CASE UPDATES

Final Update 12/23/2025: A Victory Made Possible By You! Because thousands of you refused to stay silent, Justin Shadwell has now been sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for three months already served. This sentence matters. It sends a clear and powerful message: acts of extreme cruelty will not be ignored, excused, or swept aside. Nothing can undo the suffering this innocent animal endured. Nothing can give back what was taken. But today, because of your voices, there is accountability. There are real consequences. And there is justice where there might have been none. Thank you for signing. Thank you for standing up. Thank you for caring when it was easier to look away.

Update 12/2/2025: The next status hearing is on 12/09/2025 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Geisler, Courtroom 3B.

Update 11/12/2025: Pre-trial for Justin Shadwell is 12/02/2025 at 9:00 a.m. Judge Jeffrey S. Geisler, Courtroom 3B. Case #2025CF1531

Update 10/29/2025: Arraignment 10/27/2025 and preliminary hearing scheduled on 11/12/2025 at 10:30 a.m. Judge Shelton, Case# 2025CF1531.

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