Blanchette, Marbury & Trombley, all age 18, have been charged with animal cruelty and conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals.

The cats were found with nooses around their necks and one of them appeared to have been dragged behind a vehicle.  The cats were killed over a period of several days.

The 3 plead innocent to the charges in Somersworth District Court.

Police called Trombley a danger to society and have charged him with 4 counts of cruelty to animals.  His bail was set at $2000.  Trombley had previously been charged with simple assault and reckless conduct.

Blanchette was charged with 2 counts of cruelty to animals and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals.

Marbury was charged with 2 counts of cruelty to animals and 1 count of conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals.

Bail was set at $500 each for Blanchette & Marbury.  They told reporters that they killed the 5 cats because they were bored.

Charles Marbury stated he would not post bail for his son because he did not feel sorry for him.  "What he did was uncalled for, I want the families with the cats to know how deeply sorry I am that my son participated in this.

Update 10/28/94:

Blanchette and Trombley were sentenced to a 6-hour animal sensitivity class and 1 year in the Strafford County jail after pleading guilty for a negotiated sentence.  Blanchette actually plead nolo contendre in exchange for a 1 year term in the county jail with 3 months deferred.  Upon his release from prison he must perform 200 hours of community service.

Marbury was also sentenced to the sensitivity class and 5 months in jail after pleading guilty to 2 counts of cruelty to animals and 1 count of conspiracy.  He did not attend and may be jailed for the suspended 21 months of his sentence.  Upon completion of his jail term he must complete 100 hours of community service

Reference:

Union Leader