A rush of tips helped police identify two people accused of killing animals at a Petland store in Oklahoma City this month.
The Oklahoma City Police Department reported the slayings took place on July 13, after a male and female walked into the pet store about 12 miles northwest of downtown.
This week, the department asked the public for help and released a photo of the pair captured on video inside the store.
On Wednesday, police Sgt. Gary Knight told USA TODAY investigators had identified the pair.
Police have not named either suspect captured on video footage but Knight said they will be identified when they have been arrested and charged.
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According to a police report obtained by USA TODAY, the pair entered the pet store just before 3:30 p.m. local time. Prior to the alleged killings, they played with a puppy at the store after requesting it, the report said.
Police reported the male suspect broke the neck of a caged parakeet inside the store, then reportedly strangled a bunny. Before he left the store, the report said, the male suspect stole a hamster and a guinea pig while the female suspect acted as a lookout.
The following day, police said store staff found the hamster stomped to death in the parking lot.
As of Wednesday the guinea pig had not been located. Police said the puppy was not injured.
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“Animals don’t have a voice, so we have to be the voice, and we have to make sure justice is done when it’s needed,” Crystal Slocum, an administrative specialist with OKC Animal Welfare, told KOCO News 5.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Oklahoma police.
Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
