Pomona animal decapitations: Occult expert's theory on ritual

Robert Brum | rbrum@lohud.com

Show Caption Hide Caption Video: Decapitated animals likely victims of religious ritual Two dozen animals found decapitated in Pomona were most likely the victims of Santeria, according to law enforcement and the Humane Society.

The decapitations of more than two dozen animals whose bodies were discovered last month along a Pomona roadside carry all the hallmarks of a Santeria ritual, according to an expert briefed on the case.

"It could be an initiation," said retired NYPD Detective Marcos Quinones, a cult/occult specialist who was consulted by the Hudson Valley Humane Society. "It also could be the cleansing — spiritual, physical or mental — of a person. It also could be to pay homage to the god or goddess you worship, or a ceremony to that god or goddess."

Santeria (whose meaning has been translated as "Worship of the Saints") is a pantheistic religion with West African roots that migrated through the slave trade to the Caribbean region, where some elements of Roman Catholicism were mixed in.

POMONA: 25 decapitated animals found near roadside

"In Santeria, animal sacrifice plays a major, major role," Quinones said, with a particular species of animal designated as a tribute to each god or goddess. Decapitation is a common method of sacrifice, typically performed by a high priest or priestess.

The 25 carcasses found June 23 dumped in garbage bags alongside Firemen's Memorial Drive included a pygmy goat, several breeds of chickens, guinea hens, pigeons and other birds. Only the heads of four black chickens were disposed of with their bodies.

Quinones noted that Santeria is not outlawed and should not be equated with evil, although some of its practices may not be protected from legal ramifications.

"To take 25 animals, put them in bags, and just dump them on the side of a road, that's not protected. It would cause a sanitary health issue," he said.

He said the religion is prevalent in communities with residents of black, Hispanic and Caribbean descent.

Signs of struggle

Humane Society President Ann Marie Gaudio said sorting through the remains after their June 23 discovery was difficult and emotional, even for someone with experience investigating heinous acts of animal cruelty.

It was the first case of ritual sacrifice that either she or Marc Kissel, chief of the HVHS law enforcement division, had encountered.

"I saw chickens that clearly had their heads torn off because all the feathers were gone, and the goat absolutely struggled because it had a stab wound in its thigh and was degloved — its skin was removed. That is the sign of a struggle," she said.

"This was the kind of incident that will never leave my mind's eye," she said. "I think about it, I continue to think about it and I will always think about it for the rest of my career doing this law enforcement capacity. I will always think back on this and wonder at the lack of empathy that someone could possibly have to think that this was acceptable."

Gaudio and Quinones noted the animals were estimated to have been killed on June 21 — the Feast of St. Lazarus, a significant day in the Santeria religion.

The Humane Society's outreach to the community and a $5,000 reward had so far garnered tips but no clues, officials said Thursday.

Said Gaudio: "My big question to the community in a plea to help us identify the person or persons who may have done this is: If you're considering sharing some information that you know, perhaps ask yourself the question, does this really have a role in a civilized society?"

Seeking tips

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hudson Valley Humane Society via email at reportcruelty@hvhumane.org or by calling 845-354-3124. All those with information will remain anonymous.

Twitter: @Bee_Bob