MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR ANIMAL ABUSER STEVEN E. COX

 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) --(October 25, 2012) Louisville Metro Police say a kitten may have to be euthanized after it was tortured by a Tucson, Ariz. man at an abandoned Louisville hotel.

It happened shortly after midnight Thursday at a hotel near the corner of Bardstown Road and Goldsmith Lane.
Police say they were initially called to the hotel on a report of a woman who was being held against her will. Instead, they say they found 21-year-old Steven Eric Cox and 18-year-old Marissa Mulford living in room 274, very much by choice, according to the arrest report.

Police say they had no reason for being there -- particularly given that the hotel was abandoned. "There are signs posted that the motel is closed," police say.

A seriously injured kitten was found in the room with Cox and Mulford, according to the arrest report. Police say Cox admitted that he "grabbed the kitten by his neck and the kitten fell off the balcony."

Police didn't agree with Cox's version of events.

"The injuries were caused by an intentional act which caused pain and suffering, which resulted in serious physical injuries and possible death," police say.

Cox was charged with torturing a cat, according to the arrest reports.

The kitten (Simon) has undergone 3 major surgeries for the injuries that he sustained as a result of the abuse caused by  Steven Cox.


On 3/25/2013 - Steven E Cox was declared incompetent to stand trial.
 
He was released for Metro Corrections on 4/1/2013.

SENTENCING WILL OCCUR ON 5/20/2013.