In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, three teenagers have been arrested in connection with the killing and consumption of a beloved swan in Manlius, a Syracuse suburb in New York. The incident also involved the theft of four young swans from the same area, leaving residents and local authorities appalled.
The unfortunate series of events unfolded when Faye, a mature female swan, and her four cygnets were reported missing from the swan pond on Monday. Promptly acting on tips received on Tuesday, the police discovered two of the cygnets at a discount store near the town, where one of the suspects was employed. According to NY Times, further investigation led them to a second location, where the remaining cygnets were found.
Teens Unaware of Swan's Significance, Thought it was a Large Duck
During a news conference, Manlius Police Captain Tina Stanton provided details regarding the arrests. An 18-year-old and two juveniles, aged 16 and 17, face multiple charges, including grand larceny, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and criminal trespassing. The suspects surrendered to the police on Tuesday.
According to ABC7 Chicago, the incident occurred when the three friends, all attending the same high school, trespassed into the swan pond during the night. Two of the suspects held down Faye and subsequently killed her. The tragic aspect of the incident was that Faye did not resist due to her nesting condition. To the shock of the community, it was revealed that the perpetrators consumed the adult swan.
Manlius Police Sgt. Ken Hatter explained that the teenagers were unaware of Faye's significance to the community and mistakenly believed they were hunting a "very large duck." One of the suspects even mentioned that they had planned to raise the cygnets as pets.
Manlius Mayor Paul Whorrall expressed his deep disappointment and stated that the village had contracted a biologist to care for the remaining cygnets for the next six weeks. The aim is to ensure their well-being before releasing them back into the pond to fend for themselves. However, due to concerns about potential aggression, Faye's mate Manny will be relocated from the pond. Swans are known to mate for life, and Faye's death has raised worries about Manny's behavior towards the cygnets.
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Court Appearances Scheduled for Arrested Teens in Swan Killing Case
The two juvenile suspects were released to their parents pending their court appearance, scheduled for Thursday. The 18-year-old suspect has a court date set for June 15. While CNN has reached out to their attorneys for comment, it remains unknown whether legal representation has been assigned to the juveniles.
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, while hunting swans is legal in some states, it is illegal in New York. The village of Manlius possesses a permit for housing and maintaining the swans, and removing them from their location is illegal.
The swans have been an integral part of the Manlius community since 1905, and the village has taken responsibility for their care and feeding. In light of this tragic incident, Mayor Whorrall announced plans to install surveillance cameras around the pond to ensure the safety and protection of the remaining swans in the future.
The village's beloved swan population will eventually return, despite the community's grief over Faye's passing and its struggles with these teenagers' senseless act. For now, the focus is on seeking justice for Faye and ensuring the well-being of her surviving cygnets.
