Ashland County Woman Charged with Felony After Allegedly Stabbing Cat

Joe Lyons • May 6, 2023

A welfare check by Deputies from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office led to a disturbing discovery, authorities found a woman, April Parks, allegedly in the midst of a mental health crisis, and a cat stabbed to death in her home.

Parks, a resident of Ashland County, Ohio, now faces a felony charge of cruelty to companion animals after Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting her erratic behavior on April 30, 2024.

According to statements made by the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office Christopher R. Tunnell, during a court hearing, Parks had reportedly picked up high school boys from school as part of her routine, but her behavior raised serious concerns among the teenagers.

Upon arriving at Parks’ residence on State Route 302, Sheriff’s Deputies observed what can only be described as a “horrific scene.” Inside the home, they discovered a significant blood trail leading to the kitchen, where they found the lifeless body of a black cat. The cat had been stabbed multiple times, with a large chef knife inserted into its skull through its mouth.

Prosecutor Christopher R. Tunnell, speaking in court, detailed the events leading to Parks’ arrest and requested strict conditions for her release on bond. Tunnell recommended a bond of fifty thousand dollars in cash, along with mandates that Parks undergo a mental health assessment and refrain from possessing or being near any animals.

After considering the matter of bond, the Court Magistrate Emily M. Bates ordered that Parks bond as follows, posting a surety bond, secured by real estate or securities, or by depositing cash in the sum of $50,000.00.

Additionally, the Court imposed several conditions on Parks’ bond, including requirements to remain in Ohio, attend all future court hearings, abstain from drugs and alcohol, undergo random drug and alcohol testing, and seek a mental health assessment within fourteen days of posting bond.

Furthermore, Parks is prohibited from possessing any animals while on bond. The Court has scheduled her arraignment for Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. via video conference.