Teacher Tortured and Killed Cats to 'Feel Powerful,' Court Docs Say

A former Texas high school teacher has admitted to torturing cats and then killing them because it made him "feel powerful," according to court documents.

Graham William Reid, 29, tortured and killed his cats Cabbage, Parsnip, Carrot and Broccoli over the course of six months up until March this year, authorities say.

Reid told an investigator that he killed the cats as a means to feel powerful because he was bullied and oppressed as a child and would become enraged with "various stressors in life," according to Fort Bend County court documents as seen by KPRC2.

It was only after a Sugar Land veterinarian provided a tip to authorities after noticing multiple cases of severe injury in the animals which "(didn't) add up" that the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office filed charges against Reid.

According to records with the Fort Bend County court as seen by Newsweek, Reid was arrested on April 28 and charged with four counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals.

Injuries alleged to have been inflicted upon the cats included broken teeth, bloodied toes, cut tails, respiratory issues and broken bones, KPRC2 reported.

On one occasion, Reid admitted to repeatedly hitting one of the cats with a metal workout bar before taking the pet to the vet where it was cremated, court documents allege.

On another occasion, the former teacher beat and kicked a separate cat and then disposed of the animal in the dumpster.

A third cat reportedly scratched Reid and he slammed it with a scratching post. The cat died after it began vomiting.

The fourth cat to endure such torture was reportedly a fourth-month old kitten which, according to court documents, Reid attacked with a litter scoop, using it as a hammer to kill the animal after it went to the bathroom outside of the litter box.

After visits to local veterinarians, Reid would later say the animals had died at home, court documents say. One vet gave evidence that it was "odd" that Reid brought the animals to the vet if he was the one causing the injury and didn't know what was really happening at Reid's home.

Prior to his arrest, Reid taught geometry at Ridge Point High School in Fort Bend Independent School District, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Sherry Williams, media relations director for Fort Bend ISD, told the publication that Reid is currently no longer employed at the school.

"We have been made aware of a disturbing animal cruelty allegation against a teacher who is no longer employed with the District. We are unable to comment further as the matter involves an ongoing criminal investigation," Williams said.

"Please know the safety and security of our students is our top priority and we are taking steps to safeguard the emotional well-being of our students by making well-trained counselors available to the teacher's former students."

According to a former student taught by Reid who spoke with the Houston Chronicle, Reid's last day in class was April 29, the day after his arrest.

"I remember coming into class on April 30 and he wasn't there," the student said. "Then it was two days later the principal came into school and said he had quit for unknown reasons. We never got any more info from the school besides that since then."

However, the student said she never saw any sign of violence or anger from her former teacher.

"He was really laid back honestly. There were times where he would seem to be a bit stressed but he never snapped at us or raised his voice at any of us," the student said. "He was very nice though. He seemed invested in his students, which I really liked ... It's shocking to me. He never seemed to have a sadistic personality or behavior."

According to county court records, Reid posted a $25,000 bond on April 28 and was released from jail. His court date is set for June 14.

Newsweek has contacted the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office for comment.