867 DAYS LATER – STILL NO JUSTICE FOR 42 ANIMALS
Altoona, PA – Cassidy Berkheimer and Rachael Feaster are still awaiting trial, 867 days after a house fire exposed dozens of dead animals inside their home.
The fire happened back on June 11th, 2024, in the 2400 block of 10th Street. Firefighters reported that the smell of death and decay was so strong they noticed it before they even went in the house.
Inside, police say they found 32 dead animals that had to be removed, and 10 more animals were lost to smoke inhalation. Investigators reported that feces covered much of the floor, and 10 cages were found with most of them containing dead animals. The animals included dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and a hamster.
Necropsy reports cited in court records indicated that many of the animals had already been dead for weeks or months before the fire even started.
Six animals were reportedly found alive, and only one dog is reported to have survived after resuscitation efforts.
Berkheimer and Feaster were originally charged with 97 counts each. Each now faces 33 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 32 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals.
The cases remain active, and there has been no verdict or sentence. According to public Pennsylvania court records, jury selection is now scheduled for October 26, 2026. That is 867 days after the animals were found.
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SOURCES: Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System; WTAJ
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