Woman charged in death of Carl the rooster to appear in court this week

Kendra Shaffer, a 35-year-old juvenile corrections officer was terminated from her job and charged with animal cruelty in the death of Carl 2.0, a rooster that was a popular fixture in downtown Ocean Springs.

Ocean Springs Police Capt. Ryan LeMaire said video surveillance footage, which was widely shared across social media after Carl went missing Sunday night, led to Shaffer being identified as the primary suspect.

The surveillance video shows Shaffer and a group of four to five men taking Carl at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 24. Those images are believed to be the last time Carl was seen alive.

Shaffer admitted to police that she was intoxicated, but denied harming the rooster.

Police are also exploring charges against the group of men seen walking with Shaffer on the security cameras.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home has reportedly donated a custom-made casket for Carl with photos of the rooster and the inscription, “Legends never die.” A New Orleans-style second line funeral is being planned as Ocean Springs mourns the loss of their feathered friend.

A third grade class from all the way in Winchester, Virginia heard about Carl’s passing and responded by sending sympathy cards to all of Carl’s friends in Ocean Springs.

Shaffer will have her first appearance in court on May 4.