Man killed cats in horrific ways: Graphic detail

By: Bill McGinty

Tampa, Florida - What Police say happened at this modest brown house will horrify any animal lover. Three cats killed, some by drowning, others worse than that.

Lt. Bret Bartlett, Tampa Police Department:

"We found a trap, a metal hand trap and a propane torch burner and then we saw some scorch marks on the side of the trap as though whatever had been in the trap had been burned. The three cats were did find, one had evidence of being burned, the hair was singed off it and of course they were all dead."

Police arrested Richard Wyatt and charged him 3 felony counts of animal cruelty.

The details are gruesome and have shocked the neighbors who live on this street. One man described the scene to us and said his cat was one of the victims. You won't see his face, you'll just hear his voice, because he says he still has to live here.

Neighbor who had cat killed:

"The guy apparently been dipping cats in gas and then putting them underwater, drowning them, and according to the police, that is cruel torture, you don't have to light the gas."

Bill McGinty, Reporter:

"One of these was your animals?"

Neighbor who had cat killed:

"Yes."

Police tell us that Wyatt doesn't have a criminal record.

Bill McGinty, Reporter:

"What reason did he give you for doing this?"

Lt. Bartlett:

"He said he was tired of the neighborhood cats coming onto his property. He said he had called animal control at some point in the past, but he decided he was going to take matters into his own hands and trap these animals and kill them himself."

Neighbors say they fear the day Wyatt returns to their street.