Vigil for Slain Cats Turns Violent After Mob Targets Wrong Home After Accused Serial Cat Killer Released from Jail (Video)

An angry mob attempts to tear down the fence of a random house during a protest against the alleged cat serial killer on April 27, 2025.

A vigil held in Santa Ana, California, to honor dozens of cats allegedly killed by a suspected serial animal abuser turned chaotic after attendees mistakenly targeted the wrong house in a misguided attempt to confront the accused’s family.

The incident followed the arrest of 45-year-old Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, who reportedly confessed to police that he had killed numerous neighborhood cats over a period of weeks. Residents claimed Acosta used a needle to inject unknown substances into at least one cat, and one cat was found hanging from a tree, sparking widespread outrage and grief throughout the community.

The mob demanded that he come out, and began to break windows and even pepper-sprayed the man who lived in the home as children were seen watching the whole ordeal unfold from inside.

Acosta was released from jail on bond last Thursday after being booked on multiple felony charges related to animal cruelty. His release ignited anger among residents, culminating in a vigil-turned-protest on Sunday night near his home.

During the vigil, a group of people gathered outside a residence they mistakenly believed belonged to Acosta’s brother. The house, located across the street from the suspect’s actual home, became the focus of the crowd’s fury. The mob reportedly broke windows, pepper-sprayed a man inside the house, and accused the residents of protecting the cat killer. Children, including an autistic child and two infants, were present inside the house as the situation escalated.

Alejandro Oliveros Acosta was arrested and confessed to carrying out the heinous crimes to police.

Alejandro Oliveros Acosta was arrested and confessed to carrying out the heinous crimes to police.

The man who was attacked stated he was not related to Acosta, but said the suspect is connected to his brother-in-law. He said he had not seen or heard from Acosta since the arrest, and that the actions of the crowd left his family traumatized.

Despite the increasingly volatile situation, it took over an hour for police to arrive on the scene. Officers eventually declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, but the crowd continued chanting and accusing the innocent residents of complicity.

Police at the scene after the mob targeted the wrong home in Santa Ana, California.

The Santa Ana Police Department issued a statement condemning the violence and promising legal consequences for anyone involved in property damage or threats to public safety. “While we support the community’s right to peacefully assemble, the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence, vandalism, or any threats to public safety. Any damage to life or property will have consequences,” the statement read.

The victim of the mob attack expressed fear for his family and confusion over being targeted. “They’re scaring kids here. It’s scaring the whole family. There are kids, seven kids in this house. Two little babies, one that is autistic. Breaking our fences… pepper spraying us for no reason,” he said.

The case against Acosta continues to develop. Over the past several weeks, Santa Ana police have received multiple reports of cats being lured onto one property, abused, and killed. Investigators believe the suspect intentionally targeted neighborhood pets.

While Acosta remains free on bond, police acknowledged that the right to bail is protected under the U.S. Constitution and governed by California law. Bail amounts are based on predetermined schedules for various offenses, and judges may review and adjust these conditions during arraignment.

Neighbors who suspect their missing pets may have been victims of Acosta are continuing to come forward with reports to police.