Overview
- Lee County deputies arrested 48‑year‑old David Charette Jr. and charged him with felony aggravated animal cruelty; bond was set at $100,000.
- Officers responded after calls that a man was trying to drown and strike a 2‑month‑old kitten named Luna, who was taken to a local animal hospital and is recovering.
- Detectives say the investigation uncovered two earlier lethal incidents over the past year that were used as evidence in the case.
- Authorities allege one kitten was smothered with a rag soaked in bleach and another was burned with a blow dryer, and that both had been buried in the backyard though only one set of remains was recovered.
- Witnesses and the suspect’s teenage daughter told deputies the alleged acts were done as punishment for the girl, which has prompted child welfare concerns as detectives continue to build the case.