Sign: Justice for Raccoon Captured and Burned Alive by Detroit Man

Published: July 07, 2026 at 05:59 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

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Detroit, Michigan – On the morning of June 17, 2026, a caged raccoon was intentionally set on fire at a residence in the 12000 block of Washburn Street in Detroit. According to the Wayne County Prosecutor Henry Bernard Montgomery, 38, carried out the cruel act and posted a video of the animal being burned to social media.

This is a particularly heinous crime, and it is hard to imagine the type of individual who could intentionally set fire to a LIVE animal. Montgomery claims that he killed the caged raccoon out of “fear.” But what he did was intentional torture and as a result he is facing a felony charge for killing/torture.

In the since deleted social media post, Montgomery allegedly said, “I caught a possum and burnt him up. That’s a possum. Or it was a possum. It look like a (expletive) dog. But it’s not a dog. … Put him in the dirt.” 

Unsurprisingly, the post generated a deluge of comments from people shocked, outraged, and disgusted by the gruesome video. It was Montgomery’s own social media post which prompted calls to the police and an investigation.

Screenshot from Facebook

Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, “It is hard for one to imagine what kind of perverse pleasure was being had here by the defendant’s alleged conduct. I would say that this case has unbelievable facts, but unfortunately that would not be a true statement. I should be surprised but I am not.”

Police conducted an investigation and arrested Montgomery. Now we need your signatures to help secure the maximum sentence in court. Please add your name today to hold this man accountable for what he did to this poor creature.

Decision Maker: Prosecutor Kym Worthy

Why This Petition Matters

A raccoon was captured and intentionally set on fire. Montgomery willfully carried out this criminal act and went so far as to post of video of the grim incident on social media. This innocent creature suffered horribly before finally dying from burns covering his entire body. We demand that Henry Bernard Montgomery face the full weight of the law at sentencing. This was a despicable act of cruelty that absolutely must not go unpunished.

Click the PDF below to read more about the potential sentencing if Henry Bernard Montgomery is convicted as charged.

Potential Penalties Under Michigan Law

Michigan-Animal Welfare Laws-2025.pdf

Note: Henry Bernard Montgomery (Case #2026-2605781101-FY) Next Hearing is scheduled on 07/15/2026 10:45 a.m. – Scheduled for examination before Judge Marlena Elayne Taylor

News

Wayne County Press Release

Detroit News

CBS News

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

CASE UPDATES

Update: Defendant Henry Bernard Montgomery, Case number #26-003806-01-FH, pled guilty to Animals – killing torture – a felony. He will be sentenced on 10-14-2026 at 8:30 a.m. by Judge Bradley L. Cobb.

Update: Defendant Henry Bernard Montgomery, Case number #26-003806-01-FH. Final conference scheduled for 09/10/2026 before Judge Bradley L. Cobb.

Update: Defendant Henry Barnard Montgomery is scheduled for a calendar conference on 08/11/2026 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Bradley L. Cobb. Montgomery was charged with a felony – under State Statute 750/50B. Animals – killing torture.

Update: Defendant Henry Bernard Montgomery, Case number #26-003806-01-FH. Disposition hearing is scheduled for 08/04/2026 at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Christopher M. Blount.

Update: The petition was sent to media outlets.

Update: The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, including Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Assistant Prosecutor Ms. Moses, and Special Victims Unit supervisors, has reviewed this petition and its signatures and assured Animal Victory that the case is being taken seriously. The case has moved to Third Circuit Court. Henry Bernard Montgomery will be arraigned on July 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. under new case number #26-003806.

Update: Animal Victory emailed petition to Assistant Prosecutor Erika Moses, District Attorney Kym Worthy, and Director of Communications Maria Miller.