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It’s not often that we hear about people executing rare exotic birds. However, the slaying of a Las Vegas bird has been in the news this week. Apparently, the culprits are two Berkeley law students who allegedly beheaded an exotic bird at Las Vegas’ Flamingo Hotel last week. According to the police, “the two men were seen Friday laughing and throwing around the body of a dead, 14-year-old helmeted guineafowl at the Flamingo resort-casino.” Sounds like a scene from a “Hangover” movie to me.
According to numerous news outlets, these two men, Eric Cuellar and Justin Teixeira, were charged with conspiracy and willful malicious killing of wildlife.
What Is Conspiracy?
A conspiracy is “an agreement between two or more persons with the specific intent to enter into the agreement and to achieve the objective of the agreement.” Moreover, a conspiracy requires a meeting of guilty minds. Most states also require a slight overt act in furtherance of the agreement. Conspiracy does not merge with the substantive crime, so these two men can be charged with both conspiracy and the crime of willful malicious killing of wildlife.
What Is Willful Malicious Killing?
Willful malicious killing occurs when one unlawfully kills another. This type of killing usually applies when a human is killed. However, I am interested to see how this case will play out because the killing involved an animal instead.
According to the NewYorkDailyNews, the willful malicious killing of wildlife is a felony in Nevada. We’ll have to wait and see how the judge rules once the case goes to trial.
Do you think these two law students will be expelled from law school for this cruel act?
