Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) – A 31-year-old man is behind bars, accused of the violent death of a pit bull in the city of Hollywood.

Brendan Evans was arrested for the incident that occurred on October 10, when Ollie the dog’s paw was seen sticking out of a suitcase in an alley in the 1900 block of Lee Street. The dog was found stuffed in a blue suitcase and suffering from more than 50 stab wounds and died a few days later under a veterinarian’s care.

“Hollywood detectives have seen and investigated some animal cruelty cases before but none as horrific as we have seen in this case of Ollie,” said Hollywood Police spokesperson Miranda Grossman.

When detectives entered Evans’ apartment they found mutilated rats, bloody symbols on the walls – indications there were some type of ritual killings.

Evans reportedly told detectives he considers himself a voodoo priest.

“He claimed he had a right to do this because he was practicing voodoo. Is that what it boils down to?” CBS4’s Hank Tester asked Grossman.

“I can’t speak to that,” Grossman replied.

Police said DNA from Evans was discovered on the suitcase.

He’s been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty.

“I am glad they got him because he could have done this to a person,” said Dennis Turner.

An investigation also revealed previous arrests, including domestic battery in 2012 and bank robbery in Hernando County.

His fingerprints were also linked to a home burglary in Hollywood, police said.