Florida Woman Accused of Burying Kittens Alive After Claiming They Were “Demons,” Police Say

A disturbing animal cruelty case in Florida has sparked outrage after a 37-year-old woman was accused of burying several kittens in her backyard because she allegedly believed the animals were possessed by demons. Deputies responding to a desperate call for help made a heartbreaking discovery: two tiny kittens were still alive beneath the ground, while two others had died. The surviving animals were rushed for emergency veterinary care as investigators worked to uncover what had happened inside the home.

Authorities identified the woman as Alba Chavez, who was arrested on October 8 in Hobe Sound, Florida. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, three children living at the residence contacted emergency services after discovering that kittens they had tried to protect had disappeared. The children reportedly told investigators that Chavez had killed two kittens earlier in the week and that they feared the remaining animals were also in danger.

According to the arrest affidavit, the children had attempted to keep three kittens safe by locking them inside a bedroom before leaving the house for dinner on Thursday evening. When they returned at around 6 p.m., they discovered that the bedroom door had been forced open and the kittens were missing. Alarmed by what they found, they contacted authorities, setting off an urgent search of the property.

When deputies questioned Chavez, she allegedly made disturbing statements about the animals and their whereabouts. Investigators said she described the kittens as demonic and indicated that she did not want certain cats in her home. She eventually directed deputies toward an area of the backyard where the animals had been buried. Despite heavy rain and lightning, officers began digging through the soil. During the search, they reportedly heard the faint cries of kittens coming from underground.

The discovery was both heartbreaking and urgent. Deputies found two kittens alive inside plastic bags buried beneath the ground. Two other kittens were recovered dead, while a fifth kitten remained missing during the initial search. The surviving animals, believed to be approximately three weeks old, were immediately taken to an emergency veterinary facility. A veterinarian reported that they were extremely weak and dehydrated, and it was initially unclear whether their ordeal had caused lasting medical complications. By October 12, the two surviving kittens were reported to be recovering in foster care, offering a small measure of hope amid the disturbing case.

Investigators are also examining allegations that Chavez had harmed animals earlier in the week. According to reports, she allegedly acknowledged killing two kittens before their bodies were eventually buried. Authorities are conducting examinations to determine the causes of death of the recovered animals and continue investigating the missing kitten. Officials have also said they have not determined whether a mental health crisis played a role in the alleged actions.

Chavez was charged with four felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and remained in custody following her arrest. Authorities have indicated that additional charges could be considered depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation. The three children were placed in the care of their father, while eight adult cats at the residence were reportedly found safe.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the disturbing allegations but also because the children reportedly tried to protect the vulnerable animals before seeking help. Their decision to call 911 helped deputies locate the surviving kittens in time for emergency treatment. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine whether further charges are warranted.

Source: PEOPLE