Juvenile Summons Issued After Recorded Animal Cruelty Incident Claims Kitten's Life in Duncan

Two South Carolina children were caught on video killing a kitten in Duncan. The older minor faces animal cruelty charges as officials review the case.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 10:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The State

Disturbing Footage Leads to Identification of Local Youth

Law enforcement officials in Duncan have launched a formal investigation into a violent act of animal cruelty after a video emerged showing two juveniles killing a kitten. The incident occurred at the Duncan Village Apartments, where a black and white kitten was targeted in a parking lot. According to Duncan Police Chief Benjamin Cox, the kitten was the offspring of a local stray and had been living in a shelter provided by a sympathetic resident. Investigator Holden Parker utilized the footage to identify the minors and subsequently coordinated with their parents to address the severe allegations.

Graphic Details of the Parking Lot Incident Unveiled

The evidence captured on video reportedly depicts a series of escalations involving both children. Chief Cox stated that the older juvenile began the assault by throwing the animal across the parking lot. The younger child then allegedly stomped on the kitten's head before slamming it into the pavement while holding it by its tail. In the final moments of the recorded abuse, the older minor reportedly slammed the kitten against a garbage bin and discarded the remains inside. The footage has not been released to the public due to the sensitive nature of the crime and the ages of those involved.

Legal Limitations Regarding Juvenile Prosecution in South Carolina

The age of the suspects has created a split in how the judicial system is handling the immediate aftermath of the event. The older of the two individuals has been served with a juvenile summons specifically for animal cruelty. However, the younger child’s age places them below the threshold for standard summons procedures, requiring a specialized review by the Solicitor’s Office. Chief Cox emphasized that while the department strives for accountability, they must operate within the strict legal frameworks designed to protect the identities and rights of minors navigating the criminal justice system.