We’re pleased to announce the sentencing of Carmello Roberts who was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for brutally killing a neighbor’s cat named Noodles and boasting about the crime. 

Last February, Noodles’ guardian called the police and told them that after a night away, they couldn't find him, and that they found large amounts of what they thought was blood behind their home. Noodles’ body was found when they looked over the fence. Police retrieved his body and discovered he had suffered severe torture before being killed.

Roberts was later arrested for the crime, and it came to light that he had boasted to his friends about the brutality and severity of the violence.

On December 17, 2025, Roberts, who was charged with a Class D felony under CGS § 53-247(b) Malicious Cruelty to Animals, was sentenced by Judge Richard Rubino to five years incarceration and three years of probation. He unfortunately will serve only one year, and the remaining term if he violates his probation. We can only hope he violates his probation.

This outcome did not happen in isolation. Because 13,672 compassionate supporters spoke out, In Defense of Animals delivered a powerful letter urging New Haven District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. to pursue meaningful accountability. Your voices mattered. By caring, signing, and refusing to stay silent about violence against animals, you helped ensure that Noodles’ suffering was taken seriously and that justice was served. This is what collective advocacy can achieve.

We’re satisfied to see that Roberts will serve at least some time in prison for torturing and killing Noodles, and we encourage all courts and law enforcement officials to follow the good example set by Judge Rubino and District Attorney Doyle. When courts treat animal cruelty seriously and hold abusers accountable, they protect all members of society.

Your advocacy is incredibly important. If you cannot give right now, signing and sharing our alerts and petitions is very impactful, and we are so thankful for every action you take for animals.