We are outraged by the slap-on-the-wrist sentence handed down to Krystopher Nathan Torres, who was charged with the heinous crime of violently killing a cat and eating their internal organs. Despite the gruesome details of this case, Judge William Moody and former District Attorney Bill D. Hicks, and current District Attorney James Montoya failed to deliver justice for the victim, and Torres will not face the consequences this crime demands.

On July 17, 2024, the manager of The Junction Brunch House in El Paso called 911 after a customer witnessed Torres stabbing and eating a cat in the parking lot. After Torres left the scene, employees discarded the cat’s remains in a dumpster. Police arrived to find the cat’s intestines in the parking lot and discovered that the animal’s head had been crushed and their body mutilated. 

Torres was arrested following a car accident the next day and charged with animal cruelty, with a bond set at $100,000. Despite the horrific nature of the crime, the sentencing, on November 17, 2025, saw Torres avoid prison time, receiving five years of probation, 200 hours of community service, and $300 in court costs. This lenient sentence reflects an appalling lack of accountability from both the judge and the district attorney’s office.

Judge William Moody, who presided over the case, had the authority to impose a sentence that matched the severity of Torres's actions. Instead, Judge Moody's decision to impose probation and community service sends a disturbing message that animal cruelty is not taken seriously in El Paso County.

This leniency is especially troubling when considering that Torres’s crime involved torture—a third-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 42.092, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. By failing to impose any prison time or mandatory psychiatric counseling, Judge Moody allowed a dangerous individual to evade proper consequences, leaving animals and the community at risk.

Equally troubling is the conduct of former District Attorney Bill D. Hicks and current District Attorney James Montoya, whose office had the power to push for the maximum penalty for this act of cruelty. Despite the severity of the crime, they allowed Torres to avoid the harsher penalties available under Texas law. The failure to seek prison time or an adequate mental health evaluation for Torres demonstrates a lack of commitment to protecting animals and holding perpetrators accountable for such brutal actions. 

In Defense of Animals believes that both the judge and the district attorney’s office must be held responsible for their roles in this unjust outcome.

How to File an Informal Complaint about the Judge and District Attorneys

We understand that the official complaint process can be cumbersome, requiring notarized signatures and extensive paperwork. Don’t worry—you can still take action and voice your concerns without navigating that complex process. Below, we outline some easier, more accessible ways to make your voice heard.

Steps to Submit an Informal Complaint or Concern

1. Contact the Judge – Judge William Moody:
   
   
   • Write a casual complaint or feedback: Express your concerns about how the sentence in the Krystopher Nathan Torres case was handled, including your belief that it was too lenient and failed to reflect the severity of his crime.
     
     
   • Where to send it:
     
     
     • Mail: El Paso County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso, TX 79901
       
       
2. Contact the District Attorney (Former DA) – Bill D. Hicks and the Current District Attorney – James Montoya:
   
   
   • Make a casual complaint: Explain how you feel about the DA’s office’s handling of the case, including the decision to allow a plea bargain for a crime that warranted stronger penalties.
     
     
   • Where to send it:
     
     
     • Phone: (915) 546-2059
       
       
     • Mail: El Paso County District Attorney’s Office, 500 E. San Antonio Ave., 6th Floor, El Paso, TX 79901
       
       
3. Share Your Concerns on Social Media:
   
   
   • Post your concerns on social media platforms, tagging relevant officials and using hashtags like #Justice4Animals to amplify the message. Public posts can help generate momentum and increase awareness of these issues.
     
     
   • Social Media Handles:
     
     
     • X/Twitter: Tag @ElPasoCounty for the County, @TxDAHicks for Bill Hicks, and @JamesMontoyaDA for the current DA.

Sample Script for Your Message:

Feel free to copy and personalize this script when reaching out:

Subject: Concern Over Animal Cruelty Case Sentencing – Krystopher Nathan Torres

Dear [Judge Moody or District Attorney’s Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern over the sentencing of Krystopher Nathan Torres, who was convicted of horrific animal cruelty after killing and mutilating a cat in El Paso. The crime involved extreme violence, including the stabbing of the cat and eating its internal organs. Yet, the sentence of probation and community service was far too lenient and does not reflect the severity of the crime.

As a concerned citizen, I urge you to reconsider how animal cruelty cases are handled in the future. Criminals who commit such violent acts should face appropriate consequences, including prison time and mandatory psychiatric counseling. This would send a strong message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope that future cases will result in sentences that truly reflect the gravity of these crimes.

We must demand better from our legal system to ensure that those who commit brutal acts of animal cruelty are held accountable. We must stand together to advocate for stronger sentences for animal abusers and ensure that our courts and district attorneys take these crimes as seriously as they should.