Kitty-killer convicted

For those following the cat-murderer case in Aberdeen, Anthony Appolonia pleaded guilty to all 19 counts of animal abuse during a hearing in Freehold on Sept. 29.

Appolonia had obtained cats and kittens from area residents by answering ads in the newspapers, officials said, between October and December of 2007.

Appolonia admitted he would then beat and viciously hit the felines, breaking their bones with his bare hands. Then, he would then drown the cats and kittens in his bathtub, he said.

Monday's hearing was emotional for the people who were conned, some officials in attendance and Appolonia — who began to cry while admitting what he did to the animals.

There will be full coverage of the happenings on page 4 in Thursday's Courier as well as at Courier Online.

Appolonia reportedly could be indicted on 19 counts

Accused Aberdeen cat killer Anthony Appolonia has reportedly been charged with 19 counts of animal torture and murder. Appolonia was arrested on Dec. 21st and has reportedly been housed at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility, in Freehold, ever since. News about Appolonia could come as soon as within a few weeks, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. The Courier will be working on a Web exclusive about this story in the coming days.

Anthony Appolonia is the brother of Bid Rig corruption defendant Stephen Appolonia.