Student Confesses To Fatally Beating 2-Week-Old Kittens With Baseball Bat

HACIENDA HEIGHTS (CBS) — Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) officers say a high school student has confessed to the fatal beating of three 2-week-old kittens with a baseball bat.

The beating occurred at a home in the 15900 block of Leander Drive in Hacienda Heights, according to the DACC.

The suspect attends Wilson High School where he reportedly confessed about the killings to an employee who, in turn, called authorities.

"Apparently the boy confessed to a school staff member that he had killed three kittens earlier in the morning by beating them with a baseball bat and disposing of the bodies in the trash at his home," said Marcia Mayeda, Director of DACC.

Officers arriving at the home found the kittens but could find no trace of life. The three domestic shorthairs were approximately 2-weeks-old and unweaned.

The cause of death was listed as severe fractures to the skull and head trauma, according to a medical report.

The case has been referred to the District Attorney's office for possible criminal prosecution.

"Cruelty towards animals is usually a precursor to other human-directed violence later in life. It is crucial to intervene in these types of cases early on to avoid the escalation of violent behavior," Mayeda said.

DACC released a photo of the kittens, but we have chosen not to print it.