Final Snapchat Cat Torturer Gets Justice

Earlier this week, Municipal Court Judge Steve Miller sentenced Karmen Coleman, the third and final perpetrator of the infamous trio who doused a trapped and helpless cat with boiling water. They also mocked the cat, kicking the trap and calling the cat crazy as steam rose from his body and he writhed in agony.

Coleman pled guilty to the charge of rendering assistance to a crime, having testified against her boyfriend and his uncle, Laderrick and Larry Rothchild respectively, during the boyfriend’s trial. Laderick Rostchild was convicted of throwing the boiling water on the helpless cat and was sentenced to the maximum sentence; six months incarceration, a $2,500 fine, and 200 hours of community service. Larry Rostchild pled guilty and received the maximum sentence for a lesser charge of simple assault on a dog or a cat; a $1,000 fine, 30 days incarceration, and 200 hours of community service.

Coleman was given a reduced sentence of 30 days incarceration, 5 months probation, fines and court costs of $539, and will render 200 hours of community service at the Moss Point Police Department. The sentencing is not as good as the other sentences, but was based on Coleman’s cooperation for testifying at Laderrick’s trial and consideration for her four children.

Despite the gruesome nature of this act, first offense aggravated cruelty to a dog or a cat is a mere misdemeanor under Mississippi Statute 97-41-16, carrying a maximum fine of just $2,500 and/ or six months in jail. Mississippi is one of only two states with still only a first offense misdemeanor statute for aggravated cruelty to a dog or a cat.

Despite the clear link between violence to animals and violence to humans, few law enforcement agencies have received training on the investigation of animal neglect and violence, the handling of animals, and applicable laws and procedures. Fewer still have the facilities, equipment, and resources required to remove imperiled animals.

In Defense of Animals' Justice for Animals Campaign is dedicated to strengthening the animal protection laws of Mississippi and our nation, providing aid to law enforcement in solving animal abuse crimes, and to aid in overcoming the issues that impede enforcement of cruelty laws. Your donation today will ensure that our vital work in this area will continue.