The Miami-Dade Police Department, in cooperation with the Town of Cutler Bay and Town of Palmetto Bay, detectives conducted an intensive investigation into an animal cruelty case. The reports consisted of cats being found mutilated in these communities. Between May 13, 2009 and June 11, 2009, 18 of the reported cases were confirmed to be the result of animal cruelty through extensive investigative means. The investigation further revealed that due to the totality of the circumstances, Tyler Hayes Weinman was responsible for these cruel acts.
On June 13, 2009, a surveillance was conducted on Weinman's residence and he was located and apprehended without incident.
Statement from State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle: "Our communities of Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay have been on edge for many weeks now because of the horrific and unspeakable slaughtering of many of their beloved feline pets. These are highly disturbing crimes. Cruelty against animals always deeply touches our hearts. I sincerely hope that with this arrest, the residents will feel relieved and their cats will be safe once again. It is expected that the vicious crimes that have plagued these communities will not be repeated. I commend the police officers of the Miami-Dade Police Department and Senior Trial Counsel Michael Von Zamft who worked tirelessly and exhaustively day in and day out in order to put an end to these acts of cruelty. My heart goes out to the pet owners who have suffered such a great loss. Let it be known that although these innocent creatures were not able to express their unexpected suffering, we will, without a doubt, defend their short lives by prosecuting these cases to the full extent of the law."
"Cat owners can breathe a sigh of relief today," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "I want to commend the Miami-Dade Police Department for working around the clock to solve these cases and put a suspect behind bars. Animal cruelty in our community will not be tolerated."