Sign: Bronx Man Accused of Throwing Family Cat Shadow From 15-Story Window to Death

Published: June 01, 2026 at 11:36 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

Bronx, New York – A Bronx man is accused of hurling his family cat, Shadow, from a 15-story apartment window in a fit of rage. According to prosecutors, 32-year-old Miguel Perez threw Shadow out the window of his apartment at NYCHA’s Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven after the little cat scratched him.

Shadow died when he hit the pavement below.

In a statement, District Attorney Darcel Clark commented on the act of cruelty:

“We are supposed to love and care for our companion animals. Allegedly, in a fit of rage, this defendant tossed the family’s cat out of his apartment window, causing the animal’s death. The abuse of animals will not be tolerated.”

Shadow deserved love and protection…he did not deserve to be hurled from a 15-story window. He did not deserve to plummet over 100 feet and crash into the pavement below. If you are as sickened by this cruelty as we are, please add your name to the petition today!

Perez was indicted and faces:

• Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law §353-a) — a Class E felony punishable by up to 2 years in state prison
• Torturing and Injuring Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law §353) — a Class A misdemeanor

If found guilty on all charges, Perez may face a maximum of three years in prison.

New York Animal Welfare Laws 2025 

Decision Maker: Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark 

Why This Petition Matters

Miguel Perez intentionally picked up his family cat, Shadow, and hurled him to his death. Shadow’s last moments were filled with terror and pain. No animal should die like this. Violence against animals is often a warning sign of violence against people. When a person is willing to kill a family pet in a fit of rage, the community is at risk. We demand this case be given the seriousness it deserves. We demand that Miguel Perez face full accountability under the law.

News

New York Daily News

New York Post

Staten Island Live

Editor’s Note: Shadow’s sex has not been publicly reported. For the purposes of this petition, Shadow has been referred to as male because Shadow was a living, breathing, sentient animal who deserved dignity, compassion, and recognition as more than an “it.”

Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.

Update 9/9/2026: Next scheduled hearing is 10/13/2026 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Connie Morales. This hearing is a conference/adjournment.

What Happens at This Hearing

Status Check: The attorneys tell the judge what progress they have made.
Sharing Evidence: The defense and prosecution check if evidence (discovery) has been fully shared.
Negotiations: The sides might discuss a potential plea deal or a resolution.
Scheduling: Because the case is not ready for trial, the judge sets a new date to come back to court.[

Update: Miguel Perez, Case# IND-71917-26/001. The next hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. before Judge Darlene Goldberg.

Update: Miguel Perez, Case# IND-71917-26/001 – This hearing has been continued to July 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Darlene Goldberg.

Update: Next appearance: 07/21/2026. IND-71917-26/001 Indictment number for Miguel Perez. Bronx Supreme Criminal Court 265 East 161st Street – Judge Darlene R. Goldberg.  ADA Prosecuting the case is Maryann Liebowitz.

Update June 2, 2026: Animal rights advocates are actively organizing to attend the June 11 court appearance in the Bronx to show support for prosecution. Organizers are urging supporters to arrive by 8:30–9:00 AM, remain calm and respectful, and meet outside the courtroom. Originally Scheduled July 21, 2026 — moved up to June 11