14-Year-Old Girl Tied Down And Killed Animal Rescue Advocate: Police

A 14-year-old girl from Philadelphia has been charged in the brutal murder of 59-year-old Albert Chernoff, who was a well-known animal rescue advocate. Police found Chernoff tied to a bed with a head wound and multiple slashes across his chest on November 5. Paramedics were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities released surveillance footage of a girl rummaging through his home to the public, hoping to identify her. Three days later, the girl, along with her mother and two defense attorneys, showed up at a police precinct and she turned herself in.

She is being held in juvenile detention while authorities decide whether she should be tried as an adult.

"It's a very sad situation. Troubled girl. There's a reason police aren't saying much," one of the teenager's attorneys, Howard Taylor, told CNN. "There's a lot more to it."

When pressed if the young girl was a victim, Taylor said that he "wouldn't put it to that extent," but added that "[Chernoff] wasn't totally innocent, either."

Chernoff was well-liked in the community and was known for his efforts to help rescue animals. Authorities recovered 11 cats, three turtles, and two frogs from his home after his death.

"The animal rescue community, and especially the cat community has lost an amazing man," the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia said in a statement. "He was one of the kindest people I've ever met, and he would do anything for anyone. You are already missed, and there is a hole in the heart of every cat rescuer that will never be filled."

Photo: Facebook


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