By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – A former University of Montevallo student, accused of killing and displaying several cats on the UM campus in October 2012, was set to appear in court Oct. 2 for an arraignment hearing, but the hearing is being postponed and the case continued. A new court date has been set for Dec. 2.

According to court documents, the case is being continued so that parties can review evidence and witness testimony, and/or to pursue a settlement.

Christian Todd Slaton, 20, allegedly killed and “hung up for display” two cats near the flag pole in the middle of the quad at UM; dismembered a cat found on the lawn of Flowerhill, the president’s mansion, at UM; and killed a cat later found in a wooded area near Falcon Manor Apartments in Montevallo. He is charged with four counts of intentional animal torture.

Slaton applied for the youthful offender status on June 4 and is still waiting to hear whether the request will be granted. Youthful offender status would limit the length of his punishment and probation, and would restrict the information released to the public.

Slaton, who was 19 when the crimes occurred, was arrested by UM police and charged on Nov. 6, 2012. He was suspended from the university Oct. 31, 2012.

He is currently free on $5,000 bond. He was fired from a position with the Madison YMCA on April 3 after the animal cruelty charges were brought to the attention of YMCA staff members.