East Providence Man Charged In Killing Of Pet Cat

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — An East Providence man has been charged in the killing of a three-year-old pet cat, Rhode Island's attorney general announced in a news release Wednesday.

Karim Carson, age 32, was charged on June 16 with one count of malicious injury to or killing of animals, one count of unnecessary cruelty to animals, death resulting, and one count of obstructing an officer in the execution of duty, officials said.

According to officials, a woman called an East Providence Animal Control officer on Dec. 6 claiming that Carson, the father of her child, killed her pet cat, Grace, while she was away.

The woman claimed that days earlier, on December 3, she was arguing with Carson via text shortly before Carson sent her a photo of Grace underneath their child’s bed with a message saying that she wasn’t breathing, officials said.

Officials added that East Providence Animal Control conducted an investigation and found injuries on Grace consistent with her being kicked, stomped, and thrown.

As a result, East Providence Police sought a warrant for Carson's arrest on Feb. 22 and he was taken into custody that same day, according to officials.

Carson is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference on Oct. 23 in Providence County Superior Court.