Goldfish killer “didn’t want to leave witnesses,” police say

A 16-year-old Arlington Heights boy told police he poisoned and killed three fish because he “didn’t want to leave any witnesses,” according to Arlington Heights police.

The boy is charged with residential burglary and cruelty to animals for his role in a Jan. 24 break-in on the 2100 block of South Goebbert Road. Another 15-year-old Arlington Heights boy and 17-year-old Des Plaines boy also face residential burglary charges, said Sgt. Mike Hernandez of the Arlington Heights Police Department.

All three will be tried in juvenile court.

“As a matter of fact, it’s a little disturbing,” Hernandez said. “According to the police report, he looked at the fish tank and said ‘We can’t leave any witnesses.’”

The boys targeted the apartment complex because they knew it had been evacuated after a Jan. 19 fire, Hernandez said.

According to police, the boys pried open a door and stole a video game system, CD player, 30 video games, 30 DVDs, a BB gun, jewelry and a safe.

When the residents returned home they also found hot sauce, mustard, ketchup and spices had been poured into their fish tank and three goldfish floating at the top, police said.

Police were able to track down some of the stolen items the boys sold to local pawn shops, Hernandez said.