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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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Palos Verdes peacock killings: Sketch released of suspect in July 9 shooting

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Officials have released a sketch and description of a man they believe may have shot and killed a peacock with a pellet gun on July 9 in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where more than 50 peafowl have turned up dead or injured.

Based on a report from a witness, the man is described as a male in his 50s or 60s. He was spotted on July 9 by the witness, who reported seeing a silver, four-door Mercedes Benz stop in the 27000 block of Eastvale Road in Palos Verdes Peninsula, from which the man fired a pellet gun at a peacock, which was standing in a driveway. The peacock was shot dead. 

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is the agency investigating who is behind the peacock murders in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Since June 2012, spcaLA has found 52 peafowl dead or injured in Rolling Hills Estates alone.

Many residents welcome the birds but some have called the peafowl a nuisance, complaining that the peafowl destroy gardens, damage cars and make loud noises.

Lt. Cesar Perea, an Animal Cruelty Officer with the spcaLA, said that based on the information it has, the scpaLA will be treating the case as a felony. If caught, offenders can face up to three years in prison.

Perea added that given the location—Eastvale Road is a dead end, residential street—it's likely the suspect lives in the area. 

Last June, officials recovered an injured peacock after the bird was discovered in a residential part of the Rolling Hills Estates.

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The spcaLA urges anyone with more information about this or other peacock killings to reach out to Lieutenant Perea at 323 730 5300 x272 or go through their website.

This story will be updated.

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