Alleged Georgetown Cat Killer Arrested

Antoine Leander Runner Jr., the man suspected of recently killing and mutilating cats in the area, was arrested on April 25, 2025. Bail was initially set at $3000, but was raised to $20,000 on April 29 after Runner refused three court appearances. He has since been referred to mental health court to continue prosecution.

Antoine Leander Runner Jr., suspected of killing and mutilating area cats

Runner had been previously jailed in 2023 for a series of grisly cat killings. After he was released on November 25, 2024, bodies again started turning up. On March 31, 2025 members of the Alley Cat Project (ACP) who manage a feral cat colony in Georgetown found the mutilated and deceased body of one of their resident cats. In early April, a neighbor from Beacon Hill found a disemboweled tabby under the Lucile St. overpass.

The crimes were posted widely, including in the Georgetown Community Discussion group on Facebook. Community members quickly rallied to call in tips and sightings to the police and Seattle Animal Control. The suspect was also photographed and filmed setting up makeshift traps constructed from cat carriers, bins, and rope. 

The tips allowed police to issue a bench warrant for Runner’s arrest. Although the suspect has not been witnessed directly harming cats, the warrant allowed police to make the April 25 arrest on trespassing charges.

Runner may be off the streets for now, but many pet owners are wondering how to protect their pets in the future. Don Baxter, Manager of Field Services at the Seattle Animal Shelter, offered us some tips:

Tips for cats

• Protect cats from wildlife, cars, or unknown dogs and humans by keeping them indoors if possible.

• If your cat does go outside,

  • consider building an outdoor catio.

  • take them outside under your supervision.

  • let them out only in daylight hours.

  • attach a GPS tracker to their collar to track their whereabouts.

Tips for dogs

• Make sure dogs are on leash when walking outdoors. This can help you act quickly if there's an unexpected situation.

• Be aware of your surroundings when you’re out with your dog. Keep your eyes on the street and off of electronic devices. If you don’t feel safe, cross the street.

• Consider carrying something that makes noise, like a whistle or an alarm. This could provide a diversion for an aggressive dog or wildlife.