UPDATED 1-7-2020 11:20 a.m. with additional information
A Joshua Tree man was arrested early Saturday morning, accused of killing a nine-week-old kitten. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 62400 block of 29 Palms Highway in Joshua Tree about 8:15 on the morning of December 14 by a 47-year-old woman who was crying who said that an acquaintance, later identified as Daniel Hernandez, 28, had punched her nine-week-old kitten, causing significant injuries to the kitten’s face, head, and neck. The injuries were so severe the kitten died from the punch. Hernandez was not at the scene when deputies arrived, but he was located during a traffic stop about 3 a.m. January 4. Daniel Hernandez was arrested for investigation of felony animal cruelty, booked into the West Valley Detention Center, with his bail set at $50,000.
