Severed animal heads on Volusia County road was ‘cleansing ritual,' deputies say

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County deputies are investigating after nine severed animal heads were found on the side of a DeBary road.

The gruesome discovery was made on Toms Road last week.

Investigators told Channel 9's Mike Springer that they think the animals were part of a "cleansing ritual."

The bodies of animals were found underneath an upside down recycle bin by a woman riding her bike.

Investigators said a family told them they killed the five chickens, two pigeons, one goat and a turtle to cleanse a man of his schizophrenic thoughts. All the animals were missing their heads.

Court records showed the man the ritual was being performed on was arrested for animal cruelty last year for hanging a dog, investigators said.

He pleaded no contest to the charge.

An official with the sheriff's office told Eyewitness News that it is still investigating the case and charges may be filed.

Cox Media Group