Scott Graham Accused of Mutilating Neighbor's Cat, Tells Cops He "Played" With 30 to 40 Cats

UPDATE: Don't worry, everyone, Graham says the cats were sneaking into his car and running a fight club.

scott-graham.jpg
Mesa PD
Scott Graham, alleged cat-mutilator.
If you're wondering who would steal their neighbor's cat and smash it up behind a strip mall -- 39-year-old Scott Graham would, according to Mesa police.

Once he was caught in the act lifting another neighbor's cat, police say he tossed that one out of his window and drove off.

The Arizona Humane Society got involved in this one after 12 cats went missing and three turned up dead, although Graham, who became the suspect in the cat disappearances, eventually told police that he just "played" with the cats -- 30 to 40 of them.

According to the cops, Graham was caught on a video-surveillance camera taking a cat from the top of the cat-owner's car near Guadalupe Road and Alma School Road about a month ago.

That cat was found a few days later, dead and mutilated behind a nearby strip mall. Another mutilated cat was found there too.

A couple weeks ago, a neighbor saw the car driving through the neighborhood -- the same car Graham was driving when he was caught on video lifting the cat, police say.

That neighbor tried to follow Graham's car on his bicycle, but Graham obviously got away, and the neighbor saw him chuck another cat out of his window, according to police.

Last night, the neighbor saw Graham's car again, but the neighbor was driving a car this time, and was able to get Graham's license plate number.

Police found that Graham lived with relatives in the neighborhood, and asked him about the cat situation.

According to the cops, Graham admitted to taking between 30 and 40 cats from the area -- but he claimed he'd never hurt any of them.

Graham's story was that he "played" with the 30 to 40 cats, then released them in a different area. Police say that's not quite what happened, adding that there was evidence in Graham's car and house that led to his arrest on an animal-abuse charge.

UPDATE: Police say clothing, gloves, and car floor "covered" in cat hair were found in Graham's garage. Cops are trying to link him to the rest of the missing cats in the neighborhood.


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14 comments
conetka
conetka

CAT TORTURER GOES TO COURT TOMORROW MORNING

MESA KEYSTONE COP DESTROYED EVIDENCE
We will be protesting on the public sidewalk at 8am. A media release has been sent. There is parking on the street, the parking structure, or the vacant lot to the east of the Court.
Mesa Municipal Court 
250 E. 1st Avenue 
Mesa, Arizona 85210

rpwinaz
rpwinaz

This guy took things a bit too far.  If he was killing cats, he should be prosecuted.  I can sympathize with how frustrating it is to have a neighborhood with dozens of outdoor cats.

I experienced a similar problem when living in Tempe 15 years ago.  I simply purchased a "live catch" trap, baited it, and placed it in my yard for a month or so.   I caught 20+ cats and simply dropped them off at the animal shelter.  I even posted a flyer on the community mail box warning cat owners of my intentions.  It worked....no more outdoor cats using my yard as their litter box. 

Cat owners need to respect the rights of neighbors....not saying their cats should die though....look for them at the pound...thats where stray animals end up.    

NotACatLady
NotACatLady

Single, white, 39-yr old male. Check.

Lives in mother's home. Check.

Tortures and kills small animals. Check.

Sounds like the perfect profile for a serial killer. And yet, the City of Mesa doesn't deem it important enough to press charges. Wait until your kids start going missing. That will be next. If you care at all, sign this petition to at least get charges pressed against this lunatic. http://www.change.org/petitions/city-of-mesa-arizona-bring-animal-cruelty-charges-against-scott-andrew-graham

tlsmith27
tlsmith27

He better hope he doesn't show up near my house.... he will wish he hadn't. I live in mesa and I know what his stupid ugly face looks like. What a scum bag.

Annalisa
Annalisa

Just spoke to Mesa Animal Care & Control - Graham is NOT BEING CHARGED with animal cruelty.  According to MACC, there was "only" "circumstantial" evidence of the cruelty - he is ONLY being charged with theft.  This is disgusting.....I have no words for the fact that someone as disturbed as this man appears to be is being allowed to get away with it without even a trial and the decision of a judge or jury.  

lilmissmaria37
lilmissmaria37 like.author.displayName 1 Like

If i see him, it will be Vigilante Justice...

Johnny
Johnny like.author.displayName 1 Like

I don't have any pets, so why do I have to clean up other people's cat crap out of my backyard.

equalizer
equalizer like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @Johnny johnny, i think i know why the cats are crapping in your yard. And i dont think they will stop. if you are thinking of doing what this guy did, beware, hell is waiting for you.

sleezyscoundrel
sleezyscoundrel like.author.displayName 1 Like

There are a many hardcore convicts who love their pets and who will probably make Mr Graham wish he had either taken grandma's SS check or maybe just left the cats alone. If you think you're in the shit now, just wait for the yard walk, Scotty.

teknik
teknik

i wonder how far from his neighborhood he stalked.  I had a cat just up and disappear, the cat was never far from home!  one day it was just gone.

phipps3113
phipps3113

 @teknik

 I have had reports from several adjacent neighborhoods.  If you are within a couple of miles it is possible.  Mark Phipps  BTW, he lives with his parents.

charlie_oscar
charlie_oscar

From Baseline Killers to Cat Scratch Fever... This Valley is home to WORLD CLASS WACK JOBS!

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