Nov. 17--A Crystal Lake man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after authorities said he "intentionally" killed a kitten.
Axel Salemi, 18, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty and criminal damage to a domesticated animal, both felonies, court records show.
Authorities allege Salemi killed the 7-week-old cat with his bare hands, squeezing it to death, court documents show. Police said the alleged crime occurred at Salemi's home, which they said serves as a rescue shelter for kittens.
Salemi made an initial court appearance on Saturday, when his bond was set at $20,000.
In March, Salemi was charged with domestic battery and consumption of alcoholic liquor by a minor, records show. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct, and the alcohol-related charge was dropped, according to court documents. He was placed on court supervision, which was to have ended next June.
Those charges stemmed from an allegation that Salemi struck a female with a closed fist in the nose and mouth, drawing blood, and "grabbed her neck," according to the complaint.
Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.
