Authorities investigate dead cats found on South Side

YOUNGSTOWN — Authorities are investigating what they believe to be the ritual killing of cats in a vacant house in the 3500 block of Powers Way.

John Hall, Mahoning County humane agent, said his office got a call Wednesday saying someone was killing cats in the South Side house and investigators saw two people run from the structure as they arrived at the scene.

Hall said they found a freshly killed cat that had been decapitated and seven or eight other cat skulls scattered through the house. It appears it may be a case of ritual sacrifice and those responsible are using the animals’ organs in some ritual, Hall said.

“It’s been happening probably for months,” he said, based on evidence found in the house. Authorities are asking residents to report any suspicious activity in or near that area.