By: Chloe Wilson

Humor Editor

On the morning of Sept. 2, 2024, authorities in Monterey County arrested a man for allegedly massacring multiple animals. The officers executed a search warrant for the suspect in Prunedale. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office said they discovered numerous weapons. 

The bail for suspected murderer 39-year-old Vicente Joseph Arroyo was raised to one million dollars. During his trial, he pleaded not guilty to accusations of killing miniature horses, rabbits, and birds. Allegedly, the suspect murdered these animals during a three-hour period early in the morning of Sept. 2. 

Investigators supposedly seized seven additional weapons in addition to multiple firearms while searching the suspect’s home, and authorities yielded five long rifles, one shotgun, and a handgun as well as ammunition, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Two of the weapons were un-serialized “ghost guns” which are assembled by components purchased as a kit or as separate pieces.

Arroyo made his first court appearance on Thursday, Sept. 4th, two days after his arrest. Monterey County Sheriff Commander Andres Rosas informed Associated Press on Sept. 5th that the owners of the murdered animals wish to be kept anonymous and chose not to speak with the media. 81 animals were on the owner’s lot in Prunedale, but only one belonged to the farm’s property owner. The other 80 were kept there by someone who rented the land to house their pets. 

At approximately 3:25 AM, authorities received multiple calls reporting the sound of gunshots. After the authorities arrived, they ordered a shelter-in-place for the residents of the area. It was difficult for deputies to locate the precise location of the shots, as it was still dark, and the area had thick vegetation. After having trouble locating the crime, authorities called in a Special Weapons and Statistics Team (SWAT) for assistance, along with drones from the Gonzalez Police Department and Seaside Fire Department. The SWAT unit later discovered a crashed vehicle located in the 16000 block of Avery Lane, situated in a vineyard north of Prunedale. The SWAT unit then located Arroyo and arrested him.

Arroyo is charged with the murders of a pony named Lucky and two miniature horses named Estrella and Princessa. Additionally, he is charged with killing 14 goats, nine chickens, seven ducks, five rabbits, a guinea pig, and 33 parakeets and cockatiels. Several animals survived the gunshots but, unfortunately, had to be euthanized because of the severity of their wounds.  

The motive of the crimes has yet to be revealed, but evidence shows that Arroyo lived in a camper next to the lot where the animals are housed. Arroyo’s family is concerned for his mental health, as is his attorney. “We’re dealing with an individual who has very serious charges and who does not appear to be in the right state of mind to understand the proceedings against him,” Arroyo’s attorney, William Pernik said.