Man sentenced after 24 dead cats were found in deep freezer, authorities say
TRUMANN, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) - A man in Arkansas was sentenced after authorities found 24 dead cats in his freezer.
On Monday, Boddie E. Williams, 38, entered a negotiated guilty plea to one count of aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat or equine.
He was sentenced to 36 months of probation, with 24 months of supervised probation.
According to his plea agreement, Williams can’t own or be around pets. He must also pay all court costs and fees in $50 monthly installments.
Eight other animal cruelty charges, along with one charge each of possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, were nolle prossed.
In July 2025, authorities visited the home due to an anonymous caller who requested a welfare check on a girl living in the home.
However, when authorited arrived, they were “immediately overwhelmed by a strong foul odor consistent with the presence of a large number of animals.”
Officers observed 10 or more cats and “large quantities” of cat urine and feces in the house, along with human food, pet food, and trash.
Police found the girl in her bedroom, sitting on a mattress. “The room, like the rest of the house, was heavily soiled with urine, feces, and refuse. The air inside the home was barely breathable due to a strong ammonia odor,” an officer said.
Police said the girl appeared “visibly embarrassed” about the state of the home, and said she could not remember the last time she ate.
She said they did not have any food in the home, and police confirmed they found “minimal” amounts of food in the kitchen.
Cagle declared the living conditions of the home “detrimental to the juvenile’s health and mental well-being.”
Samantha Lyn Platz, 38, was also arrested on 24 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Along with animal cruelty charges, she was also charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.
Police accuse Platz, the victim’s guardian, of allowing these uninhabitable conditions, failing to provide adequate care or hygiene for her, and demonstrating disregard for the child’s physical and mental well-being, including exposing her to animal deaths.
She is still awaiting trial.
According to police, high ammonia levels can harm the respiratory system and organs, especially for children.
After another search, police found two deep freezers in the house that were filled with 24 dead cats of various ages in bags and boxes.
Police said some of the kittens were newborn, others were juvenile and full-grown.
“Many appeared severely emaciated, with several found in curled positions suggestive of having been frozen alive. Some had open eyes, and others showed physical signs of suffering prior to death,” another officer said.
DHS removed the victim from the home and placed her in the care of her adult sister.
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