MOUNT CLEMENS, MI — A Macomb County man is facing charges after stomping a kitten to death earlier this month, according to prosecutors.
Marcus Winfrey, 33, of Mount Clemens, was charged with first-degree animal torture/killing, a felony that carries up to 10 years in prison. He was also charged as a second-offense habitual offender, which is an aggravating sentencing factor.
Winfrey was placed in jail with a $50,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 15.
The incident happened on Sept. 2 at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Clemens.
Prosecutors said Winfrey was sleeping on the church's steps when he awoke agitated and began swearing at a woman who was also resting on the steps.
Winfrey then intentionally stomped on the head of the woman's gray-and-white female kitten named Asia, killing it, prosecutors said.
"The allegations in this case of using an innocent animal to hurt another person is cruel and deeply troubling," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. "When offenders are convicted of animal cruelty, they should face meaningful consequences. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases and advocate for appropriate sentences."
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