9-year-old arrested in kitten-burning case

A 9-year-old Delaware boy has been arrested and charged in a shocking crime that left a kitten dead.

New Castle County Police and officers from Delaware SPCA arrested the boy Friday after he allegedly set the kitten on fire in Edgemoor. Neighbors told police the boy, and two friends, poured lighter fluid on the kitten and then set it on fire. The kitten then ran to a nearby tree on N. Rodney Drive where its charred remains were found.

Authorities say the boy, who stands only 4'5" and weighs 60 lbs., has been charged with one count of "cruelty to animal that causes death" and remains in custody at the New Castle County Detention Center after failing to post $4,000 bail.

Police say they are still searching for two more juveniles who are reportedly linked to the intentional killing of the young feline. It is unclear if the kitten was a stray or belonged to someone in the neighbourhood.

With news video.