Teens arrested for killing Foster Farms chickens with golf club

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A public outcry helped Fresno County deputies hone in on four teenagers accused in the brutal killing of more than 900 chickens.

Deputy Chris Curtice said, "We actually got more tips on this than we do on homicide cases."

They attribute a lot of the tips to news coverage and to social media. All four teens are charged with burglary, and animal cruelty- accused of crimes that are shocking even to law enforcement.

Two of the suspects live about a mile away from the Foster Farms chicken ranch in Carruthers. A pair of 15 and 17-year-old brothers were arrested off West Elkhorn Avenue and are accused of using a golf club and other instruments to slaughter 920 chickens.

Curtice said, "In earlier interviews I called it an act of psychopathic personality."

A relative of the brothers was arrested in Lemoore, and 18-year-old Gabriel Quintero was arrested at a Fresno apartment complex. All four broke into the ranch and Curtice says left evidence at the scene.

"When you look at the actual dollar amount of the birds killed it's not extremely significant, under $5,000.00," said Curtice. "The bigger picture here is the act itself."

The act is what drew national attention to Caruthers. Both Foster Farms and the Animal Legal Defense Fund offered a reward, and word of the crimes and possible culprits spread through social media.

"These kids probably talked to other kids as soon as this hit the media," said Curtice. "These kids started using Facebook and other social media."

As for what drove the teens to the ranch or their possible motive for the crimes, it's anyone's guess. Those details will likely come out in court as this is a case that's got everyone talking.

Curtice added, "A lot of people are up in arms we're getting numerous comments through social media and on our website regarding the arrests."

ABC30 legal analyst Tony Capozzi says since 920 chickens were involved, it's possible the teens could be charged with 920 counts of animal cruelty. It's also possible those who are underage could be charged as adults.