Sign: Four Sadistic Teens Shot and Fatally Stomped Coyote Pup

Published: February 06, 2025 at 03:57 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Chicago, IL – On January 11, four Chicago area teenagers sadistically took the life of a coyote pup. The 16- and 17-year-old teens shot the pup with a bow and arrow and then stomped the coyote to death.

Dave Kielbasa, who lives in the Mount Greenwood area where the killing took place, tells a local news agency what he saw:

“I see them jumping and stomping and kicking. Then I realize it’s a coyote they are doing it to.”

Kielbasa was familiar with the slain pup who lived with a coyote family that frequented the area. The man tells the news agency about the coyotes, “They don’t harm anyone. They even have a cat that travels with them. And I’ve seen the pup in my own yard. I enjoy looking at them, so it was sad to see him lying there dead.” 

The authorities are not publicly releasing the names of the teenagers, but their charges have been released:

• Unlawfully hunting without supervision
• Unlawfully hunting on lands without permission of owner
• Unlawfully hunting within 100 yards of a home
• Unlawful abandonment of wildlife carcass on private property without permission

This was a senseless, cruel killing and these teenagers must face repercussions for their sickening behavior. The four teens were ordered to appear in court Feb. 26. Please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory receive justice.

Target: State Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand justice for the innocent coyote pup who was ruthlessly killed by four teenagers. These teens brutally killed an innocent animal for no reason, turning a blind eye to the pup’s suffering and agonizing death. Animal Victory and its supporters demand that these teenagers face true repercussions for their actions. These individuals must be held accountable for what they did! Additionally, we want each of these teenagers to receive psychiatric treatment – what they did is not normal, and future incidents must be prevented. 

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 teens accountable not only denies justice for the slain coyote pup 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: The four teenagers are scheduled to appear in Cook County Court on Feb. 26.

News:

CBS Chicago

Fox Chicago

ABC Chicago

Block Club Chicago

Update 7/16/2025: Received a response from CCSAO Media Alert. Minor 2, on 7/14/25 case continued to 7/22. Minor 3, on 7/14/25, after a conference with the court, pled guilty and was sentenced to four months supervision, mandatory school, no gangs, guns or drugs, 10 hours of community service, mental health evaluation- follow all recommendations, and Hunter Safety course.

Update 7/7/2025: Animal Victory sent petition and updated signatures to Chief Craig Engebretson.

Update 6/23/2025: The four individuals are minors, and the cases are being handled in Cook County Juvenile Court. Each minor is charged with Hunting Prohibitions (520 ILCS 5/2.33 (t).
On 6/16/25 after a conference with the court, two minors plead guilty and received the following
sentences:
Minor 1: 12 months court supervision, mandatory school, no gangs, guns (with the exception of hunting
lawfully with an adult), or drugs, 10 hours community service, mental health evaluation and follow all
mental health recommendations, Hunter Safety course, and follow all probation recommendations.
Minor 4: 6 months court supervision, mandatory school, no gangs, guns (with the exception of hunting
lawfully with an adult), or drugs, 10 hours community service, mental health evaluation and follow their
recommendations, Hunter Safety course, and follow all probation recommendations.
Minor 2 and Minor 3 cases remain pending; the next court date for these cases is 7/14/25.

From the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Pursuant to the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, we are limited to the information that we can provide unless ordered by the court and we are unable to comment on this matter.”

Update 2/23/2025: Animal Victory sent petition and signatures to Brothers Rice High School.