HIALEAH, Fla., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- A 19-year-old man from Hialeah, Fla., is the second suspect in custody for allegedly taking part in the killing of two horses at two area ranches, police say.
The Miami Herald reported Wednesday that detectives suspect Santiago Cabrera was paid to help three others break into the Lazy L Ranch Sept. 9 and the Stone City ranch July 9 to slaughter a horse at each site.
Police said in a report the assailants removed meat from the horses.
Cabrera, who was arrested Monday, is facing charges of armed burglary, killing a registered breed horse, animal cruelty, and breaking a fence.
Police also have Luis Miguel Cordero, 18, in custody in the deaths, part of at least 17 horse killings that have taken place in South Florida this year.
The names of the other two suspects have not been released.
"I'm very relieved that we have another arrest,'' said Jeanette Jordan, president of the South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told the Herald. "But I'm stunned that these guys are so young and I'm heartsick about it.''
