Ohio teen to be tried as adult on charges of stealing baby alpaca that was beaten to death

2nd Ohio teen faces adult charges in alpaca death

HAMILTON, Ohio — A judge has ruled a second teenager accused in the fatal beating of a baby alpaca from an Ohio farm should be tried as an adult.

The Butler County Juvenile Court judge ruled Monday the 17-year-old boy’s case should go to a grand jury. The boy is charged with breaking and entering, grand theft, vandalism and tampering with evidence in the death of the alpaca, a llama-like animal valued for its soft fleece.

The judge earlier ruled another 17-year-old boy’s case should go to adult court. That boy is charged with breaking and entering, grand theft, complicity to vandalism and tampering with evidence.

Animal cruelty charges against both boys remain in juvenile court.

The alpaca was named Masterpiece and was worth $8,000. Owner Jeff Pergram says it was affectionate and would follow and nuzzle him.