Michigan Teens Charged For Killing And Torture Of Guinea Pig In Pre-Game Ritual

Two Michigan teenagers were charged for the torture and killing of a guinea pig, which authorities say was killed in an alleged pre-game slaughter in April.

Tanner Coolsaet and Michael Roth, members of Detroit’s Grosse Ile High School varsity lacrosse team, took part in a pre-game ritual of sorts where Coolsaet reportedly slit the guinea pig’s throat with a knife after which Roth grabbed animal and struck it with a small bat. The animal died after the torture.

“The alleged facts in this case illustrate much more than a youthful prank or a pre-game antic. We must take these cases seriously,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

The two teenagers were charged with two counts of killing/torturing an animal and conspiracy to kill/torture an animal. The teens could face a sentence of up to four years in prison, Wayne County prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Maria Miller said.

They were released Monday on $5,000 personal bonds, reports said and are due back in court July 26 for a probable cause hearing. They will face preliminary examinations on Aug. 2. The two teenagers cannot consume alcohol or drugs nor can they own a pet. They also face a 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, Miller said.

When the incident first came to light in early May, Police Chief Joseph Porcarelli said that the department was working on identifying the students involved in the slaughter. “There are 18 [students] on the team and we do know so far that not all of them were involved,” he said, “But more than half were at the location when it occurred.”