Chicago, IL – A 22-year-old Chicago man is facing multiple charges for aggravated animal cruelty and animal torture for killing numerous kittens…who were all named Shelly. According to the Chicago Police Department, Thomas William Martel intentionally tortured and killed the kittens; some of them were squeezed to death, others drowned and even killed in a microwave.
Thomas Martel, accused kitten killer
It was Martel’s own girlfriend who reported the depraved killings to the authorities. According to prosecutors, the sadistic kitten killer admitted to his girlfriend that “he enjoyed killing cats and he had been like that since he was eight years old.”
The serial kitten killer allegedly acquired his victims via Craigslist…purposefully selecting kittens that looked similar in order to keep his mom from discovering his sadistic activity.
At the bail hearing, Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Dale-Schmidt recounted how three kittens died, according to the accused man’s girlfriend, “Martel told her that he had killed three cats in the microwave and put them in the pantry.” Officers who were called to Martel’s apartment were told by the girlfriend to check the pantry…they discovered a bag containing parts of “multiple” kittens.”
Martel was booked into the Cook County jail on Tuesday; he is scheduled to appear in court next week. He is charged with six felonies, four for aggravated cruelty to animals and two for animal torture.
Martel has admitted to enjoying cat killing since he was a child. An excerpt from a U.S. Department of Justice article details why animal cruelty cases must be taken seriously:
“Researchers have connected children’s abuse of animals to bullying, aggression, school shootings, and sexual abuse. Through these activities, children who feel powerless torment their own victims to gain a sense of control and power for themselves. Moreover, FBI research indicates that most serial killers, school shooters, and mass murderers tortured animals as children.
Intentional Animal Torture and Cruelty is the gateway to acts of extreme, remorseless violence, and must be as vigorously addressed as any other crime.”
If you are disgusted by this man’s sickening obsession with torturing and killing kittens, please add your name to the petition today! Martel MUST be stopped before he can kill again.
We the undersigned demand that Thomas Martel is held responsible for torturing and killing multiple kittens. We are petitioning for Martel to receive the maximum punishment allowable by law for the charges stemming from his ongoing, sadistic behavior. We also hope that, during the sentencing, Martel will be prohibited from owning or residing with animals in the future. Furthermore, we request an order for Martel to undergo a comprehensive mental health evaluation and receive appropriate professional treatment for his mental health.
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
Update 3/5/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the Judge and DA with updated signatures.
Update 3/5/2024:Thomas Martell’s next court appearance is on 3/20/2024 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 108 in Skokie, IL.
Update 12/28/2023: The hearing is completed. Discovery has been completed and Thomas Martell bonded out. The next hearing is January 29th, 2024 in District 2, Skokie, IL. Address: 5600 Old Orchard Rd, Skokie, IL 60077. The State Attorneys office has assured us they are taking this case very seriously. Please continue to sign and share.
Update 11/20/2023: Thomas Martell has a new case #23CR0852301. New Court Date is 12/19/2023 at 9:30 a.m. in District 2, Skokie, IL
Update 10/4/2023: Thomas William Martel has been moved back to Skokie. He has had his charges increased to 10 felony charges. Five counts of animal torture and five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. He had a status hearing on October 4, 2023, and his next hearing is on November 6, in Courtroom 108 at @9:30 a.m. in Skokie, IL.
Update 10/2/2023: Thomas Martell has been charged with six felony charges; four counts of animal torture and two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. He has been transferred to Branch 44. He was released with the requirement of an electronic monitoring device (ankle).
Branch 44, Felony Preliminary Hearings
3150 West Flournoy Street, 1st Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Phone: (773) 265-8915
Update 10/02/2023: Animal Victory sent a petition to the Judge and DA.
Update 7/24/2023: Animal Victory has learned that Thomas Martel’s court date is scheduled for 8/4/2023. Court Location Branch 44. Martel Inmate Roster (1)
Defendant: Thomas William Martel
Case # 23110928701
Booking # 20230711123
Cook County IL
Branch 44
3150 West Flournoy Street, 1st Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Phone: (773) 265-8915
Prior signatures: 18,657
Prior Signatures 18,504
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