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

Published: June 04, 2025 at 10:45 PM Author: Penny Eims

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.”

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

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.