By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo Police have identified a student as the suspect in a cat-killing case on campus.

After an investigation conducted by the UM Police, investigators identified a student believed to be responsible for the unnatural deaths of cats that have been found on UM’s campus in recent weeks, according to a press release from the university.

The student, who did not live on campus, has been suspended and is prohibited from entering the campus, according to Director of University Relations Jamie Bessette in a Nov. 1 interview,

Three dead cats were discovered on the UM campus, one at the “Becoming” statue, one at Flower Hill and the third near the flagpole on Main Quad in October.

When asked how the deaths were identified as unnatural, Bessette said, “It was obvious, the condition they were found in.”

UM Police Chief Chadd Adams also confirmed that, although there is no evidence that members of the campus community were ever in danger, increased evening police patrols will be maintained in coming days.

“We are very relieved that this situation has come to a close,” Adams wrote in a press release. “I am proud of the work of our officers and of the vigilance of our community throughout this investigation.”

The students name will not be released until the investigation is completed, Bessette said.

The matter has been referred to the Shelby County District Attorney’s office for further review, the release stated.