A UC Berkeley law student accused of allegedly torturing and decapitating an exotic bird entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment in Las Vegas Monday.
Justin Alexander Teixeira pled not guilty through his attorney to both felony charges against him, although another UC Berkeley law student, Eric Cuellar, pled guilty Jan. 10 to a lesser charge of instigating an act of cruelty to an animal, according to The Associated Press.
Teixeira has been charged with the felonies of animal killing and torturing. Each charge carries up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
A felony conviction could block Teixeira’s admission to the state bar and jeopardize his legal career.
Cuellar received a sentence of 48 hours of community service and court-mandated alcohol counseling. He also was fined $200 and ordered to pay $150 in restitution to the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The alleged torture and decapitation of the exotic bird took place Oct. 12 at a wildlife exhibit inside the Flamingo.
A hotel guest identified Teixeira and Cuellar and told police she saw Teixeira allegedly throw the bird’s body at Cuellar.
Police said the bird’s body was found on a walkway with its head nearby.
Nick Gaines is a staff writer. Contact him at [email protected].