Catfight Escalates to Charges of Aggravated Battery and Strangulation
Marion County deputies responded to a bizarre and violent dispute on Saturday that started over feeding cats and ended in handcuffs. Jose De La Torre, already on probation for a previous domestic battery conviction, now faces new charges of aggravated battery and battery by strangulation.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies arrived at a blood-streaked residence to find Billy Melgar, the victim, covered in blood and holding his head. Communication was initially limited due to a language barrier, but the victim managed to identify his roommate, De La Torre, as the assailant.
The dispute allegedly began with a heated argument about feeding cats. Witnesses described an escalation that went from shouting to violence, with De La Torre reportedly delivering multiple punches while Melgar was in a defensive position on the floor. One witness said De La Torre grabbed a wooden chair and struck Melgar with it, an act confirmed by surveillance footage.
In a post-Miranda interview, De La Torre claimed he was trying to “teach a lesson” and admitted to using both fists and furniture to make his point. He also described placing Melgar in a chokehold, which the victim escaped by biting De La Torre’s arm.
Adding to his troubles, deputies discovered De La Torre’s prior battery conviction from Kansas and noted his current probation for domestic battery by strangulation. The new charges, paired with this history, likely mean he won’t be feeding any cats—or arguing about them—anytime soon.
De La Torre was booked into the Marion County Jail without further incident. Meanwhile, Melgar was treated for his injuries and is expected to recover.
