http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46070389/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/ PHOENIX — A transient was arrested after police said he skinned and ate a cat while camping inside a Phoenix warehouse and music venue.
Authorities say the building's owners reported a burglary after they opened the warehouse Wednesday and heard blaring music.
Police found 24-year-old Russell Christopher Hofstad inside with his face painted and the cat's tail and intestines around his neck.
Hunger claimed
Hofstad told police he killed the cat because he was hungry. He also said he was going to use its skeleton as party decorations.
He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and animal cruelty.
The Arizona Republic reported that Hofstad had been released from jail Jan. 10 and told police he had nowhere to go.
Russell Christopher Hofstad, accused of skinning and eating a cat, is seen in a police photo.
