SAN ANTONIO – A man named Ryan Berlanga has been sentenced to five years of deferred adjudication after being accused of a shocking crime: killing a kitten.
Berlanga, who is 31 years old, accepted this sentence as part of a plea deal, which is an agreement made in court where a defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence.
What makes this case particularly disturbing is that on November 9, 2025, Berlanga was caught on video strangling a kitten to death at an apartment complex located on Yarrow Boulevard. The brutality of the act shocked the community and brought attention to animal cruelty issues.
The day after the incident, local police sought public assistance in identifying Berlanga. They shared images of him in a red hoodie on their Facebook page, which later helped lead to his identification.
With the help of the community and media coverage, the San Antonio Police Department was able to link Berlanga to the crime. A warrant for his arrest was issued, and he eventually turned himself in on November 18, 2025, without any further issues.
According to an arrest affidavit, a witness had provided police with footage that showed Berlanga committing the act. The affidavit also noted that there was blood found at the scene, confirming the severity of the incident.
Berlanga has been charged with two counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals, which are classified as third-degree felonies. Both charges will be served concurrently, meaning he will serve his time for both counts at the same time.
This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the role that technology plays in holding individuals accountable for their actions. It serves as a reminder that animal cruelty is taken seriously by law enforcement and that justice can be served.
