Police: Tennessee man killed cat for playing with Christmas tree

A Tennessee man is accused of killing a cat for “messing with” his Christmas tree, police said.

Aaron Duke Rover, 24, brought the injured cat to a Johnson City animal shelter Nov. 30, according to court documents obtained by WCYB. While Rover told the animal shelter that he discovered the injured cat, a friend of Rover's fiancee showed authorities a video in which Rover is allegedly depicted abusing the animal, WCYB reported.

The cat died from its injuries the next day. The Washington County Animal Shelter posted the news of the cat's death on its Facebook page.

After the cat's death, Rover admitted to an animal control officer that he struck the cat for "messing with the Christmas tree," WCYB reported.

Rover was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, WCYB reported. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 4.

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Joy Johnston, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

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