New Charges For Salem Man Accused Of Killing Kitten

SALEM, MA -- Prosecutors filed new, domestic abuse charges against a Salem man already being held on animal cruelty charges. Peter Rice, 43, of 37 Cabot Street in Salem, has been held since his arrest last week after being accused of stabbing a neighbor's cat that his girlfriend was caring for and then sending a photo of the dead animal to a friend.

During a detention hearing Tuesday, prosecutors said Rice's girlfriend told investigators about incidents where Rice pulled her hair, hit her with a pot and threw her against a wall. According to the Salem News, a judge granted a motion to perform a mental health evaluation on Rice while he remains in custody. He is due back in court Feb. 5.

Previously on Patch: Salem Man Held On Animal Cruelty Charges

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