A man from Long Island is facing serious allegations after he shot a cat, named Coco, during a drive-by incident. Prosecutors say John Lettieri, 53, used a .22 caliber gun to shoot the 12-year-old cat in Mastic Beach on August 15.
Despite the gravity of the alleged crime, Lettieri was released without bail after being arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty and criminal mischief. This situation has raised questions about the current state of the law, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney.
During a visit with Coco, the District Attorney expressed concern over the implications of such violent behavior. He mentioned that if someone can harm an animal, it raises alarms about their potential for further violence. He emphasized the need for changes in legislation to support victims of animal cruelty.
Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when a black Ford F350 approached the property. The driver is seen firing at Coco while backing up slowly, even as the cat tried to escape for cover.
Coco was discovered the following day by a neighbor and his owner, Melissa Biolum. Initially, they thought he had been hit by a car, but it turned out he was shot. A bullet was found near his spine, lodged in one of the vertebrae.
The family reported spending over $18,000 on medical care, and they began a GoFundMe campaign to assist with ongoing expenses for Coco’s surgeries and treatments.
While Coco is now in recovery, he lost the use of his hind legs due to the injury. Biolum mentioned that there’s hope for his mobility to improve through rehabilitation, laser therapy, and acupuncture, though progress is slow.
Overall, there’s a sense of relief that Coco survived, even as the District Attorney pushes for stricter bail laws to prevent situations like this from happening again. He expressed a desire for justice to be served, stating that accountability is crucial in such cases. For now, the focus remains on Coco’s recovery and well-being.
