Al Chernoff

Teen girl, 14, in custody after beloved animal rescue reality star is found tied up naked, dead with massive head gash

Pennsylvania police said a 14-year-old girl turned herself in after the grisly death of a beloved Philadelphia pet rescuer.

According to Sgt. Eric Gripp of the Philadelphia police, 59-year-old pet rescuer Albert Chernoff was found dead inside his home Tuesday, off of Algon Avenue in the Rhawnhurst area of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Enquirer reports that Chernoff’s neighbor contacted police on early Tuesday morning after finding the man tied up naked in his bed. The victim reportedly had slash wounds across his chest and a severe head wound. First responders pronounced Chernoff dead at the scene.

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The following day, investigators obtained security footage, which showed someone inside the home walking around nonchalantly. The person walked through the living room and then to the kitchen, where they looked into the refrigerator, then washed their hands before leaving the house.

Desmal and the rest of us are wishing everyone a happy holiday. Thanks for the cards and donations for the cat colonies of food they received…..

Posted by Al Chernoff on Sunday, December 24, 2017

 

Police did not specify whether the 14-year-old was the person inside the home, although they said she was spotted leaving the residence. The person spotted on interior security footage was described as someone with short hair, a brown complexion, and a thin, tall build. The person was carrying and backpack and wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt, red pants and white shoes.

The teen girl later surrendered to authorities while in the company of her lawyer. No charges have been filed yet.

According to The Morning Call, police said Chernoff was killed with a blunt force weapon at around 10:30 p.m. on Monday.

Chernoff was nicknamed “Alley Cat” after his reality show about rescue animals. He also starred in the NATGeoTV reality show, “Rescue Ink,” which centered around bikers against animal abuse.

“If you have rescued animals, cats in particular in Philadelphia you’ve interacted with Al,” Blake Martin of ACCT Philly told FOX 29. “He was a really sweet guy.”

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Al Chernoff/Facebook]