Bond denied for teen charged with killing horses in So. Florida

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A judge denied bond for a teen accused of a sickening crime against defenseless animals.

On Tuesday, Judge Sarah Zabel denied bond to the Cuban native who confessed to the killing of two horses for cash.

Prosecutors argue that keeping 19-year-old Santiago Cabrera in jail will send a strong message to those in Miami-Dade County, adding the State of Florida will vigorously pursue those who slaughter horses for sale, on behalf of the public. "These horses are toxic. People buying that meat could die," Assistant State Attorney Michael von Zamft explained.

He added that keeping the teen behind bars is important, considering his past criminal history remains unclear. "He was in Cuba up until less than a year ago, how do we know what crimes he may or may not have committed in Cuba? We don't know that. What we know is that he's been here less than a year, and he's managed to participate in two of the most horrific crimes ever committed, the butchering of live horses," said Zamft.

Cabrera's defense attorney argued that his client is young and harmless. "I disagree with the decision. I think this case has a lot of problems, and we're going to look into possibly appealing it," Juan Gonzalez said.

Prosecutors said, since the arrest of the defendant, they have not heard much about horse killings.

Cabrera will remain in the Miami-Dade County Jail.

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