Hung Jury in Cat Killer Case

After five days of deliberations, the jurors in the animal cruelty trial of a man who killed his girlfriend's cat could not reach a verdict, so the judge ended the trial by declaring a hung jury. Joseph Petcka, 205 pounds, claimed that 7-pound, declawed cat Norman attacked him so he defended himself, but the prosecution contended that Petcka was jealous of the cat. The feline was fatally beaten and had multiple broken bones, broken teeth, a lacerated tongue and a chest full of blood (Petcka admitted he overreacted). The former minor league baseball player-turned-actor was facing up to 2 years in prison if found guilty (the jury had to determine whether there was justifiable reason for him to act this way).

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on September 26, 2008 4:02 PM

Comments [rss]

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

mihow, you are right, this does set a bad example. I hope he is retrial. My girlfriend is upset about this verdict. I signed up to gothamist just for her.

mihow

I disagreed, edex. I have a hunch that someone on the jury was either an animal hater or (and probably more likely) an cat hater. There are so many out there. I just get that feeling. It makes me sick that anyone might believe a 200+ pound man did this in self defense.

Also, for those asking about another trial, 1010 Wins said something about a new case beginning (i think the date was) October 18th. Maybe he's going to be retried?

I don't know. I think something needs to be done. This sets a bad example, imo.

maxiemom

The one juror that wouldn't convict should be locked up: he's part of the problem and one of the reasons that animal cruelty laws need to be tougher and need to be enforced. The man is an absolute jackass.

Hopefully the murdering scum will be retried. If not, I hope he gets what he deserves in some other way. Since he's already killed a cat, and abused one girlfriend, this won't be the last time he's up on charges. Hopefully, next time some turkey on the jury will take their job more seriously and convict the dirtbag.

A slow, agonizing death is too good for him.

ed_Extinct

it's not that people don;t care, it's that there must have been reasonable doubt. sad.

Spirit of 76

That lone juror had better hope his or her identity never gets out. There's going to be hell to pay for screwing up this trial.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

boycott the New York post, Andrea peyser went to far when she wrote the cat deserved every blow.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

babyhitler was the first to comment on this story, he needs a real life. anyhow, we need a second trial 11 to 1, and I don't care about how much it cost. It is minimal cost to seek justice and protect society from such cruel asses. where is the outrage when bloomberg gives away 20million to buy votes for congestion pricing. He gave council member Simcha Felder over 5 million. quinn is giving away millions to buy her election to mayor. This case deserves a retrial and this one hung juror should die because stupid people should not live. I think the world would be better if you put down stupid heartless people down. stupid and cruelty goes hand in hand.

Mr Mel

Not to worry Petcka will be heard from again.

whitecastlerock

@hitlerbaby get on with your life... let others say what they want

mihow

May I be so bold as to suggest the those upset by the outcome of this trial donate some money to the ASPCA? Something good must come out of this. In the name of Norman, let's donate some money to the ASCPA.