Man charged with killing newborn kitten in Crystal Lake

CRYSTAL LAKE (STMW) - A northwest suburban man killed a newborn kitten during an argument with family members at their Crystal Lake home Friday, police said.

Axel J. Salemi, 18, faces felony charges of animal cruelty and property damage, according to Crystal Lake police.

About 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a domestic fight at the home in the 0-100 block of Briarwood Circle in Crystal Lake, which also serves as a rescue shelter for kittens, police said.

Salemi had been arguing with other family members and killed a kitten “while in an agitated state of mind,” police said. He was arrested at his workplace later that day.

A judge ordered Salemi bond on a $20,000 bond, according to the McHenry County sheriff’s office. His next court date is Dec. 1.