GOLDEN GATE, FLORIDA: In an ongoing animal cruelty case, a suspect named Pedro Solmulen from Florida has been taken into custody and a second is still at large in the months-long investigation in Collier County.
The harrowing case traces its origin back to May 1, 2023, when CCSO detectives discovered several animal carcasses.
The remains were found in a wooded area near 18th Ave NE and DeSoto Blvd which is a residential area and has two schools nearby, according to NBC 2 News.
Who is Pedro Solmulen?
Solmulen, a 19-year-old, has been charged with unlawful disposal of a dead animal, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office.
CCSO is still searching for a convicted felon named Yordis Gutierrez who is the second suspect in the case. The 45-year-old man also faces the same charges.
What led to Pedro Solmulen's arrest?
The animal carcasses had seemingly been dumped on the property with large sections missing and other parts showing signs of being intentionally burned.
These findings suggested that the remains were in various states of decomposition and indicated an ongoing issue.
Investigators took action in the disturbing case as they began monitoring the residential area with motion-activated cameras.
During their surveillance efforts, the deputies noticed Gutierrez and Solmulen arriving in a blue Chevy Silverado.
Fresh animal carcasses were discovered immediately, each time the truck appeared in the vicinity.
The mutilated animal bodies were dumped in the residential area, according to Fox 4 News.
Investigators also managed to track US Department of Agriculture sales tags discovered on the animal remains at livestock auctions in which the second suspect who is still at large was the purchaser.
On further investigation, a breakthrough in the case occurred after the officers located Solmulen and arrested him on Friday, September 8, at his Naples home, according to the outlet.
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk then commended the dedication of the Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance detectives and their tireless efforts involved in the case.
"This was outstanding investigative work by our dedicated Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance detectives who did a lot of leg work and devoted countless hours to this case," stated Rambosk.
Anyone with tips or information on the second suspect Gutierrez's whereabouts is requested to contact CCSO at 239-252-9300. Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477 to remain anonymous.
The Collier County community remains hopeful that justice will prevail for the innocent animals who were affected by this heinous crime.
