MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Mercer County man is facing felony charges after allegedly killing a family cat with a large knife in a disturbing incident that unfolded on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Deputy J.W. Lucas of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department was running stationary RADAR on Route 10 near the old L&M Market when a gold SUV pulled up beside him. The male driver, visibly distressed, reported that his wife’s nephew had killed her mother’s cat with a knife and that the family had been unable to reach her.
Deputy Lucas followed the couple to a residence on Blue Heaven Road. Upon arrival, Lucas found the suspect, identified as Nicholas Tabor, sitting on the back porch. In a spontaneous admission, Tabor told the deputy he had killed the cat with “the biggest knife he could find” to “save her from going to hell.”
Tabor stated he had thrown the cat’s body over an embankment. The deputy was able to locate and photograph the cat, which had suffered multiple severe lacerations — one extending from its back to its ribcage, and another along the side of its face.
The knife used in the incident, which had been cleaned, was recovered by the cat’s owner and taken into evidence.
Tabor was arrested at the scene and charged with Felony Animal Cruelty under WV Code 61-8-19(b). During processing, it was discovered that Tabor also had a full extradition warrant from the state of California for vandalism. California authorities confirmed their willingness to extradite him.
In a recorded statement, Tabor claimed to be a vegan and said he killed the cat because it needed to be fed meat, and he wanted to prevent other animals from being killed to make cat food. Deputies also noticed a cut on Tabor’s hand, which he admitted occurred during the attack.
Tabor was treated at Princeton Community Hospital for the injury before being transported to Southern Regional Jail. He awaits arraignment on charges of Felony Animal Cruelty and Fugitive from Justice.
