By: Xavier E. Martinez, xmartinez@onlyforpetlovers.com

18-year-old, Tyler Hayes Weiman, was arrested Saturday night in connection with 19 cat killings occuring over the past two months.

Miami-Dade County, Florida Police have apprehended the man they believe to be the serial cat killer, who has terrorized the neighborhoods of Cutler Bay, Florida and Palmetto Bay, Florida for the past two months. According to Major Julie Miller, Cutler Bay, FL Relief Commander, the suspect is 18-year-old Tyler Hayes Weinman, a former student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
“Between May 13^th and June 12^th, we had a total of 19 confirmed incidents of cat deaths that we now believe to be the work of Weinman,” Miller said. “During each incident, detectives conducted thorough investigations. On Friday June 12^th, investigators through investigative leads and critical intelligence linked Wienman with those violent and senseless killings.”

According to the Miami Herald, Weinman’s divorced parents live separately in the two neighborhoods in which most of the killings occurred. His mother, a life coach, lives in the Whispering Pines neighborhood of Cutler Bay, FL, where the killings began. His father, a dentist, lives a few miles away in Palmetto Bay, FL. Weinman had easy access to both communities.

Neither parent could be reached for comment.

Police said tips gathered from residents and the teen’s online social networking websites led to his arrest. However, MDPD could not comment on what exactly was posted on his Facebook and Myspace page that gave him in.

“Our communities of Palmetto Bay, FL and Cutler Bay, FL have been on edge for many weeks now because of the horrific and unspeakable slaughtering of many of their beloved feline pets. These are highly disturbing crimes,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez.

“My heart goes out to the pet owners who have suffered such a great loss.  Let it be known that although these innocent creatures were not able to express their unexpected suffering, we will, without a doubt, defend their short lives by prosecuting these cases to the full extent of the law," she added.

The suspect is not the deranged, shaggy-haired murderer most residents were expecting. His friends describe the clean-cut teen as the class clown and an avid dog lover. He is a part time swim instructor, and grew up in the same cities he is accused of tormenting.

"Cat owners can breathe a sigh of relief today," said Miami-Dade County, FL Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "I want to commend the Miami-Dade Police Department for working around the clock to solve these cases and put a suspect behind bars. Animal cruelty in our community will not be tolerated."

On Saturday night, after tracking Weinman for weeks, detectives thoroughly searched his Whispering Pines’ residence. At around 12:30 P.M., two plain clothed, undercover police detectives entered a Coral Gables, FL house party, which the suspect was attending, and quietly escorted him outside.

Kevin Corona, host of the event, said on his way out one of the police officers told him to, “Enjoy the party.”

The defendant was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 1:23 P.M. on Sunday. His bail has been set at $154,500.

In his mug shot, the well groomed, smiling Weinman did not look very worried

He is charged with 19 counts of animal cruelty, a third degree felony; four counts of burglary, a second degree felony; and 19 counts of disposing of dead animals, second degree misdemeanors. Each of the felony counts comes with a minimum fine of $5,000, six months in prison and mandatory psychological counseling.

Weiman lived within blocks of Ridgeland Drive. The cat mutilations began here and eventually spread throughout Palmetto Bay, FL and Cutler Bay, FL.

Weinman has two past juvenile charges on his record including a recent possession of cannabis.

Cutler Bay Mayor Paul Vrooman warned this sort of behavior would not be tolerated in the future.

“I read a blog post this morning, where one misguided poster said he actually supported these acts because cats were a nuisance to him. To anyone who shares that opinion, let me make it clear the cruelty is inhumane not matter what form it takes,” Vrooman said.

David Macey, the family’s attorney, asserts his client’s innocence.

The reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the cat killer was up to $10,000 ($500 of which was donated by Only for Pet Lovers) when the suspect was arrested. No information has been given yet on whom, if anyone will receive the money.

Resident Marie Akers of Cutler Bay told the Miami Herald she was surprised the killer was a kid from the neighborhood. But she is happy he is over the age of 18 and will be tried as an adult.

District 8 Commissioner Katy Sorenson, the county’s most pro-animal representative, said she is elated the killings in her area have ended. She hopes residents can finally return to their normal lives.

“Animals bring happiness and comfort to our lives. So to see them so violated and mutilated just defies all common sense. It is painful for everyone involved. Thankfully for this community the terror has come to an end,” Sorenson said.