Utah police seek help in catching cat killer

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Provo Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding whoever has mutilated and killed six cats in the past month.

Lt. Mathew Siufanua said the cats had been strangled with wire, burned — possibly with the use of something like hair spray — and their paws were bound with tape.

All were found between Independence Avenue (1890 West) and Geneva Road (2050 West), in a wooded area near the Provo River Parkway.

Four of the cats were discovered about a month ago, but had apparently been killed and left there at different times, Siufanua said.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, two others were found on some nearby railroad tracks, where passing trains had decapitated them, he said.

Siufanua said the case is unique in that whoever is killing the cats is bringing their bodies to the same place.

"We're hoping the public will help us by reporting anything suspicious," he said.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Detective Morgan at 801-852-7292.

shunt@sltrib.com