Transient sentenced for skinning, eating cat in Phoenix warehouse

PHOENIX - A transient accused of skinning and eating a cat while camping inside a Phoenix warehouse and music venue has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Maricopa County prosecutors say 24-year-old Russell Christopher Hofstad also was sentenced Wednesday to four years' probation after prison.

Hofstad pleaded guilty last month to burglary and cruelty to animals.

The building's owners reported a burglary on Jan. 18 after they opened the warehouse and heard blaring music.

Police found Hofstad inside with his face painted and the cat's tail and intestines around his neck.

Hofstad told police he killed the cat because he was hungry and planned to use its skeleton as party decorations.

Police say Hofstad also told them that he decided to camp in the building because he had attended events there.