North Carolina Man Faces Misdemeanor After Opossum Set on Fire in Viral Video
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — Public outrage is mounting after a disturbing video emerged showing an opossum being doused with an accelerant and set on fire in Charlotte. The man allegedly responsible, Cameron Bernard Torrence, has been charged only with misdemeanor animal cruelty, sparking criticism from animal rights groups who say the charge doesn’t reflect the severity of the act.
Gruesome Video Leads to Arrest
On April 24, 2025, a video was posted to Facebook depicting individuals setting a live opossum ablaze. According to an affidavit, the account that shared the footage was linked to Torrence, a resident of Mecklenburg County. Wildlife officers canvassed the area and discovered the animal’s charred remains along the roadside.
Authorities attempted to contact Torrence at his residence but were initially unsuccessful. A warrant was later issued, and Torrence was arrested and released on bond. His court appearance is scheduled for August 1.
Public Calls for Felony Charges Under Susie’s Law
The case has drawn comparisons to Susie’s Law, a 2010 North Carolina statute that upgraded certain forms of animal cruelty to felony status. The law was named after a dog that was beaten and burned alive, prompting a statewide movement for harsher penalties.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-360(b), aggravated animal cruelty — defined as malicious torture — qualifies as a Class H felony, punishable by up to 39 months in prison. Advocates argue that setting an animal on fire while filming it constitutes exactly that.
Animal protection group In Defense of Animals is urging District Attorney Spencer Merriweather III to upgrade the charges and seek maximum sentencing, including a lifetime ban on animal contact and mandatory psychological evaluation for Torrence.
“Deliberately torturing a wild animal like this isn’t just cruelty — it’s sadistic violence,” the group stated in an open letter.
Multiple Suspects, But Only One Charge So Far
Though at least two others appear to have been involved based on the video, no additional arrests have been made at this time. Prosecutors have indicated they are considering more serious charges and investigating other potential suspects seen in the footage.
If others are found to have participated in the act, advocates say they too must face felony-level consequences.
Deeper Concerns About Public Safety
Beyond the immediate cruelty to animals, advocacy groups and citizens alike are raising concerns about wider implications. Research has consistently shown links between animal abuse and future acts of violence against humans.
“This is not just about one opossum,” said one Charlotte resident. “It’s about sending a message that our justice system doesn’t tolerate this kind of inhumanity — especially when it’s recorded and laughed about online.”
Do you believe animal cruelty laws in North Carolina are strong enough? Share your thoughts or your own experiences with animal welfare enforcement in your area. We want to hear from you at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
