Teen Arrested For Murdering Cat Rescuer In Philadelphia

A 14-year-old was arrested by authorities for the murder of a 59-year-old man inside his home in northwest Philadelphia.

A lifeless Albert Chernoff was discovered by Philadelphia police after responding to a “man in distress” report on November 5, according to CNN.

When they entered the residence, they found Chernoff partly tied to his bed with a massive head wound and several slashes on his chest.

Witnesses claimed that they saw a girl leaving Chernoff's home before the responding police arrived at the scene of the crime. To fast track their investigation, they released a CCTV footage from inside the house to identify her, said 9 News.

The 14-year-old girl, who was allegedly the individual in the surveillance footage, eventually turned herself in. She was accompanied by her mother and two legal counsels.

The teen's identity was kept anonymous due to her age. Her arrest Friday also prompted the police to remove the previously outed footage.

“It's a very sad situation. Troubled girl. There's a reason why police aren't saying much,” said Howard Taylor, one of the girl's lawyers.

However, Howard also pointed that Chernoff “wasn't totally innocent, either.” At the same time, he said that he “wouldn't put it to that extent” when asked if the girl was a victim.

On the other hand, Jane Roh, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia district attorney, said that they have yet to decide on whether to bring the case on juvenile or adult court.

As one of the familiar faces in Philadelphia mainly because of his advocacy, Chernoff was also called “Alley Cat” by those who shared his passion. His “one-man cat rescue operation” was even featured in one of NatGeoTV's reality show, “Rescue Ink.”

In honor of the legacy left behind by Chernoff, The Cat Rescuers posted a heartbreaking statement on their Facebook page.

“We lost a gracious soul. To anyone reading this who knew Al, we express our sincerest condolences,” it said.

The post also recalled that Chernoff was “one of the many rescuers” that they met during the filming and was immediately touched by his “warmth and affability.

Similarly, The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) mourned the loss of Chernoff.

“The animal rescue community, and especially the cat community has lost an amazing man. He was one of the kindest people I've met and he would do anything for anyone.

“You are already missed and there is a hold in the heart of every cat rescuer that will never be filled.”