Protesters Gather in Santa Ana After Cat Killer Released on Bail

Around 100 people gathered in Santa Ana to protest the release of Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, who was arrested on suspicion of killing and abusing dozens of cats but was quickly released on $20,000 bail. The protests included vigils outside Acosta's home and that of a relative, with participants—many of whom were neighbors whose cats had gone missing—holding signs demanding justice and placing candles and photos of the cat victims. Police reported finding more than a dozen dead cats in Acosta's home after searching it, and he is also suspected of stealing an expensive Bengal Lynx cat. The protests grew tense, with some demonstrators attempting to break onto private property, prompting police intervention and warnings against violence or vandalism. The Santa Ana Police Department acknowledged the community's strong emotions but urged the public to allow the judicial process to proceed while continuing their investigation into the case.