Scarlet Blake case sparks warning to clamp down on social media cat killing
An internet sleuth has demanded large social media sites act now to try to stop thugs killing cats - and people - by copying sick videos seen online.
The calls have come as Scarlet Blake, 26, was sentenced this week to at least 24 years in prison for murder after striking a man over the head and watching him drown. The thug had previously live-streamed the sadistic killing of her own pet cat, and experts say it is common practice for killers to inflict harm - and death - on animals before repeating similar acts of violence on people.
Boudicca Rising and her team help track down cat killers - and other animal abusers - online. Their work mirrors that of a group of sleuths featured in Netflix documentary Don't F**k with Cats, a true crime series about the everyday detectives who've teamed to help snag animal abusers. Blake's trial at Oxford Crown Court heard the slaying of her cat was a homage to the documentary, in which a man kills kittens before filming the murder of a human.
And Boudicca has hit out at the trend of people killing felines - and streaming the acts on live feeds to the world - after often copying gruesome methods of murder from videos seen in the media. The internet sleuth stresses social media, in particular, has more responsibility to protect both humans and animals.
Boudicca Rising, who set up a charity to help catch those who abuse animals, stresses more needs to be done by social media giants (SurreyLive - Grahame Larter)In Blake's case, the killer led warehouse worker Jorge Martin Carreno to a secluded riverbank, hit him over the back of the head with a vodka bottle, strangled him and then pushed into the River Cherwell. A Home Office pathologist ruled out the possibility Mr Martin Carreno died immediately after being strangled and said he drowned.
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Speaking to The Mirror, Boudicca said: "It is going to go on. It goes on on Snapchat, it goes on on Instagram, not so much Facebook but, to a certain degree, Twitter (now known as X) as well and so, unless we get safeguards in place now, unfortunately anything goes.
"I would say, yes, these social media companies need to do more to stop material appearing on there... It's just bloody awful. It will only stop, though, when people stop doing it but I don't think people will stop doing it altogether." Boudicca said social media has escalated the trend nowadays but it only mirrors how criminals would copy sick acts seen on TV, in films or even books before the rise of sites like Snapchat and Instagram.
Snapchat, though, is unlike similar social media because it does not have a function to share material beyond friends and family members. It says it monitors all content carefully.
On her alternative live-stream, a function Snapchat doesn't offer, Blake asked a friend: “I wonder where I learn how to do this to a person?”. Weeks later she killed warehouse worker Jorge Martin Carreno after he left a bar following a night out with colleagues in Oxford. Blake was convicted of murder and sentenced this week to at least 24 years in prison.
CCTV footage of the night Jorge Carreno died was used to help convict Scarlet Blake of his murder (Thames Valley Police / SWNS)And chillingly Boudicca, who works with community of internet sleuths called South London Animal Investigation Network, said it is "standard practice" for serial killers to first carry out brutal murders of animals and repeat these same methods on humans later. She alluded to the case of Jeffrey Dahmer, who abused small animals, like fish, dogs and cats, before attacking humans. He went on to murder at least 17 victims between 1978 and 1991 in the US. Steve Bouquet, dubbed Brighton Cat Killer after killing nine cats and maiming seven more in a 16-month period, was jailed for five years in 2021. The former Royal Navy gunner died in prison of Covid-19 pneumonitis in January 2022.
Boudicca added: "It is really standard practice for killers to torture animals before humans. It must be every single serial killer. It is a very well-known thing.
"I couldn't really tell you as to why. It might be a mixture of things, a mixture of enjoying that danger of killing, that danger of killing and copying methods or playing different roles. It could be a number of things... I haven't got a clue what goes through the mind of people who do these sorts of things really."
Scarlet Blake was jailed this week (Thames Valley Police / SWNS)
Jorge Martin Carreno, 30, went missing after a night out with friends and was found dead days later (HNP Newsdesk/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd)Ted Bundy and Nikolas Cruz also abused other animals before attacking humans. Recent research found 70% of criminals who were most violent to humans in one prison also had a history of animal abuse, and other studies have found that 43% of school shooters have a history of abusing animals.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) keeps an updated list of reported incidents in which young people have committed acts of cruelty to animals. It says early intervention is key to saving lives, and simply reporting an incident can make a huge difference.
Speaking after Blake was convicted at Oxford Crown Court, Mr Carreno's family said: "We as a family, wish to pay tribute to Jorge, our beloved son and brother, an extraordinary being full of passion and kindness. Jorge was not only an exemplary child but also an exceptional being. He was distinguished by his incredible affection, friendliness, and his ability to give himself fully to others. Jorge's innate curiosity and creativity drove him to explore, learn, and experiment tirelessly.
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"He studied electrical engineering, where his dedication and passion were evident in every project he undertook, manifesting in a deep commitment to innovation. He dreamed of a future where he could make a difference with his skills and ambitions, aspiring to create and build a better world. His life was imbued with love for music, photography, reading, and sports. He played the guitar skilfully and radiated kindness and humour among all those lucky enough to have known him. Being a triplet brother, Jorge shared not only blood ties with his brothers but was also their best friend. His friends adored him. He had an affable heart and sense of humour that filled every space with laughter and complicity. Jorge, with his caring and friendly nature, lit up any place, always spreading joy with his wit and contagious curiosity."
The expert said it is common for serial killers to initially 'practice murders' on animals, as was the case with Jeffrey Dahmer (Corbis via Getty Images)The relatives added: "With a great sense of humour, his immense desire to live and enjoy life made him a special being. Always ready to help and listen to others; he was above all, an incredibly good person. The loss of Jorge has left an open wound in the heart of his family but also in all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. This loss feels like a traumatic, devastating blow, leaving a void impossible to fill. Going through the pain of losing a son, a brother, under such tragic and unjustified circumstances, is a trial no family should face. Today his absence leaves a deep wound in our hearts. His life was stolen, cutting short his projects and dreams. This tribute is a reminder of Jorge but also a call to justice. There can be no peace until justice is served.
"We ask not only for justice for him but also for protection to prevent other people, other families, from suffering the immense pain caused by such cruel and senseless murders. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the incredible support from family, friends, the police, and our lawyers during this tough time. Your kindness, support and solidarity have been a guiding light in the pursuit of justice for Jorge, providing hope and showing immense respect to our family.
"To those who offered comfort and helped honour Jorge's memory, your generosity is deeply appreciated. Thank you for advocating for Jorge and standing with us. May this inexplicable loss drive us to fight for a world where justice prevails and where we can build a safer future for everyone. Every day, we will remember Jorge, his laughter, his joy, his zest for life, and all those unforgettable moments we shared. Thank you for being part of this family; we feel fortunate to have had you in our lives. Thank you for teaching us to live with heart and soul. Jorge, you will always be present in our hearts."
A spokesperson for Snapchat told us: "Violence and cruelty towards animals is abhorrent, and there is no place for it on Snapchat. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Snapchat has no open news feed of unvetted content, and the app is designed to limit the possibility of harmful content from going viral. If we find this content or if it is reported to us through our confidential in-app tools, we quickly remove it and take appropriate action." Instagram and Twitter, known known as X, have also been approached for comment.
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