Reichmuth Park - known to be a place of leisure for California residents - has been the site of multiple gruesome animal slaughters.
Sacramento police are scratching their heads after the discovery of several decapitated and dead animals were found in the park - every other week for the past two months, to be exact.
The unsightly remains of four different animals - a lamb, tortoise, goat and chickens - were found either in a box or in paper bags, according to CBS Sacramento. The odd disposal of the body parts hints that the same people may be responsible for committing these illegal and heartless acts.
"How do we explain it? We're not quite sure," said Gina Knepp of the Front Street Animal Shelter. "It could be religion; it could be ceremonial; I'm not familiar with that and frankly, I don't care. It's not legal."
A dead goat was found in a box on Jan. 8, and the grisly trend continued from there. Headless chickens were then discovered in a brown bag close to the tennis courts. On Feb. 1, a dead tortoise was found, followed by a decapitated lamb.
"We hope that people watch this and somebody knows something and will come forward," Knepp said.
The crimes are thought to be committed at nighttime because park regulators and police have yet to discover who is dumping the remains on the park grounds. Park staff fears that these violent acts could easily be transferred to people.
The recent animal killings and beheadings are altering the image of the park and instilling fear in local residents.
"That's pretty concerning. I mean, at least to us, because I don't want to be around dead animals, and I don't ever want to see a dead animal," said Collin Konowoo.
Zann Gates was one of the first to find eight to 12 chicken bodies without the heads in January. "Someone did this on purpose," she told KCRA. The animals without heads appeared to have no other injuries, officials said.
Nearby park goers and residents are being asked to report any odd or suspicious characters.
