Arrest and Charge Man For Brutalizing Neighbor’s Kitten With Rocks

Published: July 25, 2024 at 02:35 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Baltimore County, MD – On May 22, an indoor cat named Grayson escaped from his house and hid under a nearby car. Before the frightened cat could make his way back home, a neighbor cornered him and began pelting him with rocks.

The young cat was grievously injured in the attack. The kitten’s grim injuries, including a broken jaw, were recounted in a fundraiser established after the brutal incident:

Grayson had a busted jaw, injuries to eyes, bottom teeth pierced through his tongue, flesh torn away from his face, disfigured, needed jaw surgery immediately to stop the pain, had to be catharized, had to surgery on his esophagus for feeding tube insertion, had to received pain meds, water, and liquified food thru feeding tube.

Grayson’s guardian’s account of the horrifying incident below:

“On May 22, 2024, at approximately 6:28am EST, Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa watches Arminta Olunwa back out of their driveway located at 9523 Mary Geneva Lane, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Next, Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa walks down to our front door where our vehicle is parked and begin to hurl rocks and stone with an excessive force on the side and underneath our vehicle at approximately 6:31am EST. Video shows Joseph leaning on back of our vehicle to position himself to throw rocks and hurl stones with continued and repeated force. You can hear LOUD POPPING noises and the screams and cries of the kitten he was intentionally brutalizing, tormenting, and trying to kill. Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa pursued after our kitten without cause and would stand there after hurling rocks and stones at kitten.”

Amazingly, despite Grayson’s gruesome injuries, and a video showing Joseph Olunwa hurling rocks at Grayson, there has been no arrest, and no charges reflective of the animal cruelty.

Grayson’s guardian filed a report with the department and the report of the second responding officer, #05380, reporting area 031840, says “Warrant issued,” “Animal Cruelty,” then,” Simple/Gross Neglect.” The report does not accurately reflect the nature of the crime and Grayson’s guardian has stated that the suspect has not, as of 07-21-2024, been arrested.

If you are angered and appalled by Joseph A. Olunwa’s actions, please add your name to the petition and stand with Animal Victory as we fight for justice!

TARGET: State Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS:

We the undersigned demand Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa be held accountable for his violent, cruel actions. This man brutalized a family’s innocent cat, causing him severe pain and suffering. Olunwa must be arrested, charged with animal cruelty, and sentenced appropriately for this crime. Additionally, we demand this man undergo a mental health evaluation given the sadistic nature of the crime. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for the maximum penalty allowed by law. 

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.

News:

STATEMENT OF FACTS 1

Police Report

WMAR News

Update 9/24/2024: In collaboration with the kitten’s owner, Animal Victory and In Defense of Animals amassed over 30,000 signatures and spent countless hours preparing evidence, with the help of concerned individuals, to assist Assistant State Attorney Alexander Walsh in prosecuting Joseph Olunwa. Olunwa repeatedly threw stones at the kitten, causing debilitating and irreparable health damage.

On September 16, despite incriminating evidence and public protest, Olunwa was only fined $500 and given six months of probation, with Walsh offering a disproportionately lenient plea deal.

The judge shook his head before sentencing, clearly understanding the depravity of the crime. Grayson’s owner has filed a complaint to the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland. Animal Victory is not closing this petition as we believe there are grounds to revoke the probation and appropriately sentence Joseph Olunwa. Please continue to sign and support this petition.

WMAR News

9/24/2024: Below is disfigured Grayson’s face after his first surgery and he’s waiting for surgery number two.

Update 8/8/2024: Peaceful Protest to: Demand Justice in Animal Cruelty Case against Joe Olunwa

Please see link and event details.

https://www.meetup.com/demand-justice-in-animal-cruelty-case/events/302694089/

Monday, September 16, 2024
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM EDT District Court of Maryland – Towson120 E. Chesapeake Avenue · Towson, MD

Update 8/6/2024: Captain J. Dacheux with the Baltimore County Police Department has stated that the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office is in the process of re-evaluating the charges that were originally filed. The case review and evaluation are expected to be finalized within the next week, and if the State’s Attorney’s Office decides to amend or upgrade the charges, their office will initiate that process. The upcoming court date is scheduled for September 16, 2024.

Animal Victory’s letter to DA

Update 8/1/2024: Olunwa was released on his own recognizance and did not have to pay any bail. He has been charged with a misdemeanor. Animal Victory will fight for a felony charge. Court is on 9/16/2024.

Update 7/29/204: Thanks to your support, Joseph Afamefuna Olunwa has been arrested on a charge of animal cruelty! Joy Lepola-Stewart || Director of Public Affairs Section with the Baltimore County Police Department stated: 

The Baltimore County Police Department would like to provide an update on the animal cruelty case that has generated a great deal of interest online. More than 15,000 emails were received by the Department regarding this investigation. Today, officers arrested 37-year-old Joseph Olunwa on an animal cruelty charge in connection to this case and the injuries Grayson sustained.

Update 7/26/2024: Animal Victory has just been informed that authorities have just received the warrant, and it will be served.