Illinois Man Charged With Two Felonies After Allegedly Killing Cat in Eagan
Published: September 1, 2026.
EAGAN, MINNESOTA: An Illinois man is facing two felony animal mistreatment charges in Dakota County after authorities say he admitted to killing a cat inside an Eagan apartment, telling investigators he became irritated with the animal and used more force than he intended while attempting to discipline it.
Benjamin Levi Barksdale, 26, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, has been charged with felony mistreatment of animals and felony mistreatment of animals involving torture or cruelty resulting in death or great bodily harm to a pet or companion animal. The charges stem from the death of a cat named Frankie, which court documents allege occurred at an Eagan residence on Nov. 14, 2025.
According to the criminal complaint, Eagan police did not receive a report about the incident until July 28, 2026, more than eight months after Frankie died.
Cat's Owner Reports Death to Police
According to the complaint, the cat's owner told investigators that she had been living with Barksdale at the time of the incident. She said she waited until divorce proceedings involving Barksdale were completed before contacting authorities because she was concerned that reporting the incident earlier could anger him. The woman told police that she left their apartment on the morning of November 14, 2025, and had interacted with Frankie before leaving. When she returned several hours later, Barksdale allegedly told her the cat was dead.
According to prosecutors, Barksdale told her that he had grabbed and twisted Frankie's neck after the cat hissed at him while he was attempting to discipline the animal. The woman also alleged that Barksdale had previously threatened to kill Frankie.
After the cat died, Barksdale allegedly placed Frankie inside a box and taped it shut. The complaint states that one of the woman's friends later came to the apartment and saw Frankie inside the box. The woman and Barksdale subsequently buried the cat at Barksdale's parents' property in Wisconsin, according to court documents.
Barksdale Allegedly Admits Killing Frankie
An Eagan police officer later contacted Barksdale by phone as part of the investigation. According to the complaint, Barksdale admitted that his actions caused Frankie's death. Barksdale allegedly told the officer that he had become irritated because Frankie was hissing and he wanted the cat to be quiet. Frankie was reportedly positioned between a wall and a litter box at the time.
Barksdale told investigators he grabbed Frankie by the head in an attempt to get the animal's attention, comparing it to the way someone might firmly grab a horse or dog. He allegedly acknowledged using more force than necessary and hearing the cat's neck "pop." The complaint alleges that Frankie subsequently had difficulty breathing and appeared dazed. Barksdale told investigators he put the cat down, and Frankie walked several steps before lying down, losing control of his bowels and eventually dying.
Barksdale estimated approximately five minutes passed between the time he grabbed Frankie and the cat's death, according to prosecutors. He acknowledged that he did not seek veterinary care for the animal. Instead, he allegedly told the officer that he prayed over Frankie because he did not know what else to do. Barksdale maintained that he did not intend to kill the cat and said his intention had been to grab Frankie firmly and tell him "no," according to the complaint.
He also allegedly acknowledged previously making statements about wanting to kill Frankie but told investigators he never actually wanted the animal to die.
Owner Suspected Previous Abuse, Complaint Says
During a subsequent conversation with investigators, Frankie's owner said she had previously been concerned that Barksdale may have been abusing the cat because Frankie would hiss when Barksdale approached. She told police that Barksdale had described twisting Frankie's neck while the cat was in a hiding spot, according to the complaint.
Investigators also interviewed another person who allegedly said Barksdale had admitted killing Frankie. According to that witness, Barksdale said he was angry with the cat and accidentally snapped its neck. The witness told investigators that Barksdale characterized what happened as an action committed out of anger but maintained he had not intended to kill the animal.
Two Felony Charges Filed
Dakota County prosecutors have charged Barksdale with two felony counts under Minnesota's animal cruelty laws. The first count alleges felony mistreatment of animals resulting in death or great bodily harm to a pet or companion animal. The second alleges felony mistreatment involving torture or cruelty resulting in death or great bodily harm.
Each charge carries a maximum potential sentence of two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 upon conviction.
Court records provided in the case contain an apparent discrepancy regarding the date associated with the second charge. Count I and the probable-cause narrative identify the alleged incident as occurring on Nov. 14, 2025, while Count II lists an offense date of Nov. 14, 2024. The second count specifically identifies Frankie as the animal whose death resulted from the alleged cruelty.
Prosecutors Seek Animal Ownership Restriction
In an August 24th bail recommendation, the Dakota County Attorney's Office requested that Barksdale either be held on $20,000 bail without conditions or released on his own recognizance subject to several conditions. Among those requested conditions, prosecutors asked that Barksdale be prohibited from possessing or owning any animals while the case is pending.
The case was investigated by the Eagan Police Department. The allegations contained in a criminal complaint represent the prosecution's version of events and have not been proven in court. Barksdale is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
