Animal Cruelty investigation and arrest
— Created April 12, 2026 by Samantha Goodman
Animal Cruelty Investigation and Arrest
On February 19, 2026, the Oak Harbor Police Department was dispatched to Best Friends Veterinary Clinic in Oak Harbor for a report of two deceased 10‑month‑old cats that had died under suspicious circumstances.
Twenty‑five‑year‑old Oak Harbor resident Kristian Rokita brought the cats to the clinic after reportedly finding them injured and unresponsive. The cats belonged to Rokita’s live‑in girlfriend.
Rokita provided an initial statement to the Oak Harbor Police Department, stating that after his girlfriend left for work that morning, he heard a crash and the sound of the cats “squealing, gagging, and struggling.” Rokita said he got up and located the cats deceased in the living room.
During the initial investigation, the Oak Harbor Police Department determined that the couple’s Larkspur Drive residence is located within Island County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.
An Island County Sheriff’s Office animal control officer responded and assumed the investigation. An initial examination of the cats showed that both had rolled pieces of a foil cat toy lodged in their throats. The examining veterinarian noted that it was highly unusual for two healthy cats to choke on the same toy at the same time and suspected foul play. A necropsy was scheduled for the following day.
On February 20, 2026, a necropsy was conducted. The veterinarian noted blood in the cats’ abdominal cavities, as well as fractures and lacerations to the liver; hemorrhages to the hearts, spleens, kidneys, lungs, and brains — all indicators of blunt‑force trauma. There were also signs of asphyxiation.
The veterinarian stated that the liver injuries would have required high velocity or high force trauma directed at the abdominal area, causing significant and severe damage.
On March 17, 2026, investigators received the completed necropsy report, which determined the cause of death for both cats to be blunt‑force trauma and asphyxiation.
On March 26, 2026, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Rokita was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Island County Jail on two counts of first‑degree animal cruelty. His initial court appearance took place on March 27, 2026.
This is an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.