Yuma Police Seek Tips in Cat Shooting Case, $4,000 Reward Offered

A $4,000 reward is available for anyone with information leading to the arrest of the person who shot and killed a Yuma man's cat in January, with no suspect identified after more than two months of investigation.

Yuma Animal Control responded on January 22 at approximately 1:34 p.m. to the 1400 block of Sunset Court after Ken Darby reported that his cat, Midget, had returned home with severe facial injuries. A veterinarian confirmed Midget had been shot in the face; the injuries were too extensive to treat, and the cat was humanely euthanized. YPD says the shooting occurred near the Yuma Golf and Country Club. Midget, originally named Bear, had been adopted by Darby after surviving a fire.

Darby posted a $2,000 personal reward. The Humane Society of Yuma matched it, bringing the total to $4,000 for information leading to an arrest and prosecution. "He had more courage in his little body, than the coward that shot him!" Darby wrote when publicizing the case.

The January incident is not the first of its kind. On September 14, 2025, a Yuma officer found a dead cat under a vehicle near Arizona Avenue with an arrow lodged in its body. Investigators are working to determine whether the cases are connected, and YPD emphasized that catching a suspect quickly is a priority. "Animal cruelty is very very serious, it's the beginning stages of people starting to abuse other people, so we really want to make sure we are stopping it as quick as we can," said YPD's Lagunas. As of April 1, Lagunas confirmed no arrest had been made, adding: "We still are looking for leads, any information will help whatsoever."

Detectives have interviewed neighbors and reviewed surveillance footage near the 1400 block of Sunset Court and Windsor Avenue. Anyone with doorbell or security camera footage from the afternoon of January 22 in that corridor, or from anywhere near the Yuma Golf and Country Club, is asked to bring it to investigators. YPD also wants residents to preserve any relevant social media posts or direct messages. Useful tip details include vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, times, and social media usernames.

To share information, call YPD at (928) 783-4421. To remain anonymous, call 78-CRIME. Animal cruelty can also be reported directly to City of Yuma Animal Control Services at (928) 373-4795, Option 2. The $4,000 reward remains in effect until an arrest is made.