A Hobe Sound woman is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after deputies say she killed and buried several kittens because she believed they were possessed by demons.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) arrested 36-year-old Alba Chavez on Thursday after responding to reports of animal cruelty at the Hobe Sound Mobile Home Park.
WATCH BELOW: Woman buried cats alive, thought they were demons, deputies say
Hobe Sound woman buries kittens alive, believes they were demonsAccording to MCSO Sheriff John Budensiek, three youths living in the home called 911 after they discovered several of their kittens had disappeared. The children told deputies they believed Chavez had killed two kittens earlier in the week and were worried about the remaining animals.
Budensiek said the children had attempted to protect three kittens by locking them inside a bedroom before going out to dinner Thursday evening. When they returned, they found the door had been forced open, and the kittens were gone.
"When deputies arrived, she admitted she thought the kittens had demons and said she didn't want black cats or brown cats in her residence," Budensiek said during a Friday news conference.
Investigators said Chavez told deputies she had killed two kittens on Monday, thrown them into the trash, later removed them and buried them in the backyard.
Deputies said she then led them to a burial site behind the home and told them to bring gloves, shovels and bags if they wanted to find the missing kittens.
Despite heavy rain and lightning, deputies began digging in the backyard.
"As they were digging, they could hear cries from the kittens," Budensiek said.
Deputies rescued two kittens that were buried alive inside a plastic Publix bag. The two kittens killed earlier in the week were also recovered deceased from the burial site.
A fifth kitten remains missing. Budensiek said deputies and investigators extensively searched the backyard and mobile home but have not located the animal.
The two surviving kittens were rushed to a veterinary emergency clinic, where they are being treated for dehydration and monitored for potential long-term effects from being buried underground.
"If they survive, they'll eventually be taken to the Humane Society and go through the adoption process," Budensiek said.
Chavez was arrested on four counts of animal cruelty involving torture, inflicting pain, serious injury or death to an animal. Authorities said additional charges could follow if the missing kitten is found dead.
The arrest marks at least the third animal cruelty or neglect case in Martin County since late July. Asked whether the trend surprised him, Budensiek said reports of violence against animals often mirror broader societal problems.
"We've seen society kind of going downward and we see more violence with interactions with humans, and then that translates into animals," Budensiek said. "In fact, a lot of times it starts with animals and then moves over to humans. So unfortunately, based on the trends and societal trends that we're seeing, it does not surprise me, but when we see it, it's extremely alarming.
Budensiek said Chavez is being held without bond at the Martin County Jail and is also subject to an immigration hold. The sheriff identified her as a Venezuelan national who he said is in the United States illegally.
According to the sheriff, deputies had previously responded to the home for incidents involving Chavez's mental health but had never received complaints related to animal cruelty.
When asked about Chavez's motive, Budensiek said investigators still aren't certain whether mental health issues played a role.
"She said they were demonic. She said they were ugly. She said she didn't want those cats in her house," Budensiek said. "I don't know whether it was a mental health issue or she just didn't like the cats."
Budensiek said the three youths who reported the incident were emotional but showed courage by contacting law enforcement.
"I applaud them for reaching out, calling 911 and letting us save the two kittens," he said.
The children were taken into the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families before being turned over to their father, who lives locally, according to investigators.
Other adult cats found at the home were examined by animal services and determined to be healthy.
Budensiek called the case "extremely alarming" and praised the responding deputies for their efforts to rescue the buried animals.
"We're going to aggressively pursue criminal charges on her to make sure she pays for the damage that she did to these animals," he said.
