Cats brutally killed. People screaming. National news and TV go wild. Others scratching their heads -- what's the big deal? The GREAT CAT TRIAL.
Cats brutally killed. People screaming. National news and TV go wild. Others scratching their heads -- what's the big deal? The GREAT CAT TRIAL.
The Great Cat Trial
My-oh-my have things been percolating this week. There was going to be a big trial in Fairfield, a nearby town, but it was too hot for them to handle so they sent it to our county. We’ve never seen such a fuss. It’s reported at the Gas&Grill that TV trucks are circling the courthouse in Bloomfield. Animal Activist groups are setting up on the front lawn. Reporters are asking all kinds of foolish questions.
Frosty told me some kid killed a cat. Now that didn’t seem reasonable so I called cousin Ben in Bloomfield to see what was going on.
Ben said Helen received a summons to appear for jury duty last week. He went with her to the courthouse this morning and she was picked to be on the jury. It seems, two boys from Fairfield are accused of killing cats.
The County’s District Attorney from Fairfield wants to convict them and put them in prison for a long time. He said so, right there in front of everybody. The jury sat and waited a long time but eventually, they were sent home for lunch because Dan Morrissey, the D.A. and Kirk Daily the boy’s lawyer were fighting about something. We could hear Judge Dan Wilson yelling at them in the judge’s chambers.
Frosty, Max, and I were talking about these events at the Gas&Grill when Phil and Jeannie Krebs sat down with us.
I’ve known Phil for more than ten years. He bought Jimmy Hadley’s water softener business. They live in Fairfield. They know a lot of people and seem to be up on everything.
Max asked Phil if he knew what was going on and Jeannie jumped right into the conversation: “the boy’s names are Chad, Dan, and Justin, they broke into the Fairfield Animal shelter and killed a lot of cats using baseball bats.
Baseball bat?” Max asked.
“Yes and the police rounded them up. Happened last November. It was on TV in Fairfield – all over, national I heard. Upset a lot of people”, Jeannie said.
Jennie paused then went on.
“There were several demonstrations in front of our courthouse and on the city square. All kinds of petitions to sign.
Phil interrupted, pointing his finger at us, and said
“Killing cats is not what this is all about. It all started back in the ’70s when Parsons College went bankrupt".
We knew about Parsons College. It was a turn-of-the-century bright spot in Iowa’s higher education history. Then they got very progressive. Some bad press slowed down the student recruitment, the president was fired, their certification was lost then they went under. They were a big part of the town’s economy.
“Well,” Phil said.
” Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had a school in Goleta California. It taught Transcendental Meditation. They wanted to get big and start a real college".
“What has that got to do with the trial”? I said.
Max was vexed too and Phil knew it.
"Hold on, I’m getting to it”, Phil fired back.
"They bought Parsons out of bankruptcy", he said.
"It’s their college now. And, it’s the Transcendental Meditation, the New Age stuff they teach, the foreigners they bring to Fairfield, the liberal-minded Californians that come with it.
"It has broken the town in two. First, you have the Townies, what you and I would call normal, every-day, Iowa farm folks, and then there are the “Roos”, you know, gurus".
"You have heard it. Around here some call them “Floaters” because they practice TM. And that’s the group that was struck by lightning when they heard the cats were killed. Immediately they screamed for justice. They spread the word nationally and they have the contacts to do it. They notified PETA, Animal Rights groups, Environmentalists, Cat Lovers of America, you name it – they contacted them and they responded. A lot of outsiders came to Fairfield to demonstrate".
"In one sense I agree with them it was a stupid brutal way to kill cats, but labeling the kids Mass Murderers, calling for lynching? To townies that’s over the top”.
"And the Demonstrations were organized. It looked like they have been doing this before. The story was hot because of the cats and it took off on TV, the papers, and the internet. The District Attorney, Police Chief, and Mayor were personally swamped with calls demanding justice".
"TV went wild with their stories. The headline was; The Great Cat Massacre. Major newspapers sent reporters: the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Kansas City Star, New York Times just to mention a few. They stirred up a hornet’s nest in our quiet little town".
"Their articles made fun of us. Made us look like a bunch of dumb hicks. The “Roos” gave our town a black eye. I’m surprised you didn’t know all about it”? Phil said.
I guess our grape-vine had broken down, I replied.
In fact, Max, Frosty or I don’t normally watch TV. We have an antenna and get a channel from Kirksville 60 miles away. It may have been in the Bloomfield paper that comes out on Wednesday but I didn’t remember reading anything about the cat killings.
Phil went on and filled us in on what had happened:
It seems that the boys had just graduated from high school that spring. The gossip was that they were drinking a few beers and hanging out when the idea occurred to them to go kill stray cats at the Animal Shelter.
About 5 years earlier David Sykes, had been a lawyer in California. He came to Fairfield when the school re-located. He took it upon himself to improve the stray animal problem in town. He had been quoted around town saying “Animal control around here is a Deputy and a gun.”
He raised some funds to take care of stray and feral cats and dogs. He bought a small property on the edge of town that had an old house. The cats were kept in the old house. A small building was built to keep the dogs. It was staffed with volunteers and supported by donations. The animals were taken care of until someone adopted them or they were euthanized.
The next day the Animal Shelter people discovered the break-in to the house and the dead cats. They called the police. At the same time, the kids were bragging to their friends about the cats they killed. No one had anticipated the ruckus it would make.
The police got an anonymous tip. The boys were rounded up.
Two of the boys clammed up and got a lawyer. One of the boys cooperated and began to tell all.
Joe Fraser was the investigator. He handled the affair. He has kids about the same age. He knows all the troublemakers in town and these boys were not in that group. The boys had no violations of any kind prior to this but they were old enough to know better.
If you’ve grown up on a farm you know what it means to kill chickens, pigs, calves, and venison, even animals that are considered nuisances. It’s no lark, it’s taken seriously.
Another thing about the town, most of it, that is, the overall majority is “from the farm”, so to speak, and that included the Police Department. However, the Mayor, who came from California a few years ago is a “Roo” and a few of the shopkeepers and business people in town are “Roos”.
News like this flies around a small town. So, when it became known that the boys were in jail people began to appear around the jailhouse. A crowd gathered. Emotional Demands were shouted out and accusations flew. When it turned dark, a candle ceremony formed blocking the entrance of the police building. Officers responded and a scuffle resulted. No one was arrested but voices were raised.
Then a bull horn arrived and the gathering became noisy and agitated. Eventually, the crowd dissipated in the wee hours of the morning. The next day petitioners were on the Fairfield square with placards declaring that the Police were protecting cat killers. They urged cat lovers to unite. Donations were solicited to pay veterinarian bills.
Rumors flew all over the place as to what had been done, how many cats had been killed, and such. The next day the Ledger, the local paper was out with the first story. They had the names of the boys and the number of cats killed. Twenty-three cats were dead and four were wounded and removed to the University veterinarian medical school. The square was busy with demonstrators. People were arriving from out of town and they joined the demonstrations.
There were demonstrations for several days. They marched, waved signs, and chanted. More outsiders came. The size swelled and fell as people came and went. Trade on the square stopped. Store owners became alarmed. Townies were avoiding the square.
Most of the town was puzzled as to why these boys had done such a thing. They were also scratching their heads as to why these people were in such a fit about the cats. It was rumored that a few Townies had assembled at the Walmart parking lot west of town to have their own demonstration. Handmade signs reading: Cat Killers Unite, Cat Burgers Taste Good, French-Fried Cats, Roos Go Home, and such were reported to have been seen until the Walmart employees asked them to leave. They never showed up at the square.
Five days later the phones were still busy. Local Telephone calls swamped the county supervisors, the mayor’s office, every official that could be contacted was being summoned to stand up for the cause of the cats.
The county leadership was puzzled. The Town Leadership was wringing their hands. A closed meeting was arranged. The District Judge, the District Attorney, Police Chief, Chairman of the board of County Supervisors, Mayor, and President of Maharishi University assembled in privacy. The Mayor and the University President represented the “Roos”.
Discussions went on all morning. When the meeting was over and everyone left they looked worn out but no one spilled what they had discussed. The rumor was that they had developed plans on handling this crisis.
However, Dan Morrissey the District Attorney hinted strongly that he was going to prosecute the alleged crime to the full extent of the law. The message was: he intended to convict the boys of a felony and they would spend a long time in state prison. He kept repeating this theme over and over. It became a public mantra and it showed up on the demonstrator’s signs.
Joe Fraser, the investigator, was tasked to find as many witnesses as he could who would testify against the alleged criminals. In time, forty witnesses were lined up who would attest to some aspect of the crime.
Chad Lamansky’s family came up with a bond. He was out of jail. Dan Meyers stayed in jail. Justin Tobin was telling all; he was to be the major witness for the prosecutor. He was released. Lawyer Kirk Daily was hired for the boys and they clammed up about the crime.
When the pre-trial time came, Daily persuaded the judge to move the trial to another county. Everyone agreed that no impartial jury could be assembled in Jefferson County. The trial was sent to our County.
Things eventually died down on the square. The reporters left town. The shopping resumed but no one forgot what had happened.
But now things were popping in Bloomfield because of the trial. Cousin Ben filled me in on what went on. He said that the hand-held signs appeared before the jury was selected. The courthouse front lawn was filled with demonstrators: PETA was there in force. Animal Rights groups were there. Sign waving Cat Lovers were there. TV trucks lined the street around the courthouse beaming the latest reporter’s story to who-knows-where. The show was for TV and the press.
Reporters were all over the place and in people’s faces. They were rude and pushy. “How many cats have you killed”, What do you think about killing your cat”, and many variations were heard.
The courthouse filled up quickly to a standing room only. An audio system was set up outside the East door so people who had gathered there could hear the ongoing process.
First, the jury was selected. Once the process started, it took only 90 minutes for the District Attorney and Lawyer Kirk to agree on a Jury. Then they were called into chambers with Judge Wilson.
Arguing was heard from the judges’ chambers. The jury and courthouse, full of spectators, just sat and waited. They waited some more. The arguing coming from judges’ chambers was loud, first this voice then that. No one could understand what was said but it was emotional and dramatic.
As noon approached a clerk came out to the jury and excused it for lunch. They were told to be back by 2:00 pm.
Outside things were buzzing throughout the courtyard. Reporters were writing stories and teleporting them into the universe. Strange things were happening at the famous Bloomfield Cat Trial.
When 2:00 pm came the clerk seated the jury again. The courtroom was full again. People outside were straining to hear over the loudspeakers that had been set up.
The Judge, Prosecutor Morrissey, and Lawyer Kirk came out of chambers. Judge Wilson took his seat and called the court to order. After a few preliminaries, he looked directly at the jury. He announced that Lamansky and Meyers had confessed that they had broken into the house and killed the cats.
A loud murmur in the courtroom caused the judge to rap his gavel and call for order. When things quieted down, he continued: Killing cats is not a crime in Iowa. Lamansky and Meyers will be tried for breaking and entering.
It was like a bomb went off
The room erupted in pandemonium. People jumped up shouting and waving their hands for emphasis: “No, No”, “Cat Killers”, “Murderers”, “They’re getting away with it” were shouted out all at once, over and over.
The Judge bent over to the loudspeaker and ordered the deputies to remove everyone who was causing the disturbance. It was a tense, loud, nerve-rackingly slow process. One by one the people who were standing and shouting were removed from the room. The last one, a woman, continued standing and shouting “Shame”, “Shame”, “Shame”, at the top of her voice. She was still shouting as they took her out of the room.
For a while, everybody just sat and looked at each other.
Again, the Judge calmly turned and addressed the jury. The charge of an aggravated break-in, he said, requires that the value of something lost or stolen be determined. You, the jury, will be asked to determine the value in question; that is, the value of the dead cats.
Again, there was a loud murmur in the courtroom. Then the stomping began. Stomping on the old wooden courthouse floor sounded like a drum. At first, it was light then it grew until it was a roar. The judge called for order, rapping his gavel again and again.
When everything quieted down the judge called for Prosecutor Morrissey to proceed. The Prosecutor, Mr. Morrissey strode confidently to the podium in front of the jury. With a look of pained concern on his face, he raised his arm and pointed at the defendants. “These men have destroyed the precious lives of 23 animals in wantoned brutality….”
Lawyer Kirk Immediately jumped up and objecting vigorously. “They are not on trial for killing cats” he shouted.
“Sit down Mister Daily”, the Judge said sternly.
When it was quiet again Mr. Morrissey took a breath and continued. “We will prove that these precious lives were very valuable”.
Without another word he abruptly sat down.
The jury just looked at each other. They were expecting more. So were the people in the courtroom. A light smattering of stomping was heard.
“Mister Dailey”, the Judge called.
Kirk had notes in his hand as he approached the podium. He looked at the jury then at the boys sitting together at the defense table, then back at the jury.
“The defendants have confessed”, he said.
“They admit that they broke into the house and did a mindless, stupid, brutal thing”.
He paused,
“Their lives are hanging on your verdict. If you value the cats’ deaths above 500 dollars these boys will do time – many years in the state penitentiary”.
He paused again,
“Their lives will be ruined forever”.
Slowly, deliberately, Lawyer Kirk looked into the eyes of each juror…. Then sat down.
Prosecutor Morrissey was then called to proceed. He called two witnesses. Marlene Sykes was the first to find the cats and was in the house when they were all sorted out. She broke down and cried as she described the scene and count of dead cats.
Lawyer Kirk did not cross-examine the witness.
The next witness was Dr. Mary Abelson from the Iowa University Veterinarian school. She had examined the four cats that had survived. She gave a description of the injuries. She also gave an estimate of $2,500, the cost of treating the cats.
Lawyer Kirk examined this witness.
“Is it customary for the Veterinarian school to donate their services in situations like this”? He asked.
Her answer was “yes”.
"No further witness", Morrissey said. The courtroom stirred again.
Lawyer Kirk called Dorie Blake as witness: a pet store owner. Her store was in Fairfield.
“How long have you had this pet store in Fairfield?”
“Twelve years”, she replied.
“How much is a cat worth at your store”, Kirk asked?
“Anywhere from 30 to 50 dollars, depending on the cat”. Was her answer.
“Have you ever sold a cat for more than 50 dollars”?
Dorie answered: “No.”
“How much is a stray or feral cat worth”?
“I won’t sell stray or feral cats”, she said, “they need shots”. “They’re not tamed, maybe sick or carry disease --- don’t make good pets.”
“In your opinion, how much are they worth”, Kirk added.
“Nothing to me,” she said.
“You are witness”, Kirk said.
Mr. Morrissey stepped up to cross-exam the witness.
“How many years have you sold cats”?
“About 12, was the reply”.
“Are you a cat expert”? asked Morrissey.
“No, I just sell them”.
“I see”, Morrissey said.
“Well then, can you tell us what is the most expensive cat”?
Dorie thought for a bit then listed several cats, “Ashera’s are sold for $125,000, Savannahs go for $50,000, Russian Blues go for about $3,000”.
“So, you say cats are worth a lot of money,” Morrissey said.
“Some are, some aren’t”, Dorie replied
“Have you seen one of these cats”?
“No, they’re bought by very rich people. Richer than anyone around here”.
“Do you have a cat”? Morrissey asked.
“Yes”.
“How much did you pay for it”?
“Nothing. It was a cat that just came around my house. I took it to the store. It became sick. I took it home and it just stayed”. Dorie replied.
Is it well now?
“Yes”.
“If you took it to your store and sold it how much could you sell it for"? Morrissey asked.
“Maybe $30 dollars”.
“You are witness”, Morrissey said as he stepped away.
The prosecutor in his final statement pleaded with the jury not to let these men go without a severe penalty. He described the scene where the cats were killed. What they did was barbaric and cruel. A severe penalty is in order. Cats can be worth a fortune. Cats’ lives are very valuable he said. When Morrissey finished his statement he sat down
Lawyer Kirk’s final statement was a restatement that the value of live cats was approximately $30 dollars at pet shops. Feral cats and strays are a nuisance around towns and had no value. Again, he pleaded with the jury to consider the effect a felony and jail time would have on these young men who confessed to doing a stupid, unbelievably barbaric thing.
The Prosecution and Defense took less than an hour to present their cases. The judge gave final instructions and the jury was led away to a room off the courtroom. Everyone stayed seated. No one wanted to lose their seat. They were expecting a quick verdict.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour. When the jury came into the courtroom no one was smiling.
Judge Wilson asked the jury if they had come to a decision. The foreman answered “yes, the value of the cats”, he said, “according to the jury, was 500 dollars”.
Chaos instantly broke out in the courtroom. The Cat lover group booed. The stompers stomped. Yelling and shouting erupted. The judge could not be heard even with his microphone but eventually, the people ran out of steam.
Order in this court the Judge yelled, “Order in the court. Order in this court or I will have everyone removed”. He threatened.
Eventually, the court quieted down to a low murmur.
When order was restored, sentencing followed.
Justin Tobin received a sentence of three years’ probation. Daniel Meyers and Chad Lamansky both received sentences of 23 days in county jail, fines of 2,500 dollars, and three years’ probation with the stipulation that if they broke probation, they would spend the remainder of the time in state prison.
The judge rapped his gavel and said, “the court is dismissed”.
Reporters had their day in front of the courthouse. The courthouse lawn was filled with spectators and curious for hours discussing the crime, the conviction, the sentences – justice, and whatever else came to mind. The jury went home.
I called Ben later that night. He told me that Helen was exhausted. She told him the jury wanted to put the value at zero. There were two hold-outs that wanted to make some kind of statement. Helen confessed that she was afraid that she and Ben would be arrested for drowning cats.
The next day, as a joke, Cousin Cliff called to ask me what I thought he should do with Mary Jane’s herd of cats. There are so many I can’t count them, he said.
We had a laugh but we couldn’t agree on what to do.
So that’s it for now.
From where the corn grows tall
and pigs’ fly
Take care.
All my love.
Grampa Jim.