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Misleading video sparks misinformation
A misleading YouTube video titled “Haitian Woman Eats Neighbor’s Cat in Springfield” sparked confusion after falsely claiming that the incident took place in Springfield, Ohio. The video purportedly showed police confronting a Haitian woman for consuming a cat. However, this footage, as confirmed by USA Today, is from a police bodycam in Canton during an incident on August 16. The case involves Canton resident Allexis Ferrell, and there is no connection to Springfield or any Haitian immigrants.
Reportedly, Allexis Ferrell is a US citizen with no known ties to Haiti or any foreign country.
This video led to widespread rumors about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield. However, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck quickly dispelled these rumors, releasing a statement on Monday. “There is no evidence supporting the claims of Haitian immigrants harming or eating cats or other pets in Springfield,” Heck reportedly said.
Trump and Vance amplify false narrative
Despite the lack of evidence, Ohio Senator JD Vance referenced these unfounded claims, alleging disruptions caused by Haitian immigrants in Springfield. He further suggested that there were reports of pets being taken and eaten by people “who shouldn’t be in the country.”
Former President Donald Trump echoed these baseless claims during a presidential debate earlier this week. “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in. They’re eating the cats… It’s a shame,” Trump stated, further amplifying the false narrative.
About Allexis Ferrell
Contrary to these claims, the case centers on Allexis Ferrell, a Canton resident, who was arrested on August 16 after allegedly killing and eating a cat. Ferrell, who has no ties to Haiti, was born and raised in Ohio, having graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 2015.
Ferrell has faced various legal troubles in the past, including charges of theft and child endangerment. Canton police confirmed that she is a U.S. citizen and has been involved in previous arrests dating back to 2011.
The August 16 incident took place on the 1100 block of 13th Street SE in Canton, where police responded to multiple reports of animal cruelty at Jackson Sherrick Homes, a public housing complex. Ferrell was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and disorderly conduct, and is currently held in Stark County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Legal proceedings and mental health evaluation
Ferrell has pleaded not guilty due to insanity, and her attorney has requested a psychological evaluation to determine her mental state during the alleged crime. A competency hearing is scheduled for October 15 in Stark County, where Judge Frank G. Forchione will preside over the case.
Authorities warn against misinformation
The case has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation, as false reports continue to spread on social media and even influence high-profile political figures. Local authorities have reiterated that there is no evidence of immigrants being involved in the incident, emphasizing that the claims made by Senator Vance and echoed by Trump are unfounded.