Phoenix Landlord Charged After Allegedly Killing Tenants’ Beloved Tabby Cat

PHOENIX — A tragic incident stemming from a lease dispute has allegedly resulted in the death of a cat, according to court records. The feline, named Gary Laser Eyes, was reportedly shot in the head with a pellet gun by his owner’s landlord, Kevin Walker, 67.

Details from court documents reveal that the shooting occurred sometime between February 7 and 13. Gary lived with Steven Shriver and Monique Bermudez, who described their beloved pet as adventurous and a regular explorer of the neighborhood.

“He loved going everywhere. He loved climbing this tree. It was his favorite spot,” Bermudez recounted. Shriver added that Gary always returned home, often waiting by the back door for their arrival.

However, on February 7, Gary failed to come home, prompting his owners to search the neighborhood and put up missing posters. They even approached Walker, who was reportedly hostile and expressed that people should keep their cats indoors.

Prodded by a gut feeling, Shriver decided to check Walker’s trash bin. “I seen literally a kitchen trash bag with paper plates and stuff in it and he was dead inside of that,” he stated, revealing that the cat had been deceased for several days before discovery.

“I couldn’t believe that someone would do something like that,” Shriver remarked, expressing their devastation. Walker is currently held at the Maricopa County Jail, though attempts to reach him at his home were unsuccessful.

Both Shriver and Bermudez are seeking justice for their cat. “I would love to see him do full jail time,” Bermudez said, stressing the need for accountability and the removal of Walker’s firearms to prevent any future harm.

The couple had a rent-to-own agreement with Walker, which recently escalated tensions between them, leading to the tragic events surrounding Gary’s death.