Man Killed Lexington Woman In Fight Over Feral Cats

[Sugar Cookie]

Lexington police now believe a man killed a 72-year-old woman during an argument over what to do about feral cats.

Chief Terrence Green said Friday Sean Eric Malahy, 49, is charged with murder in the death of Judy Burnett.

The incident happened Thursday afternoon on West Main Street near a shopping center in downtown Lexington.

Officers say prior to the shooting incident, Burnett had gotten into an argument about feeding feral cats with a witness who was with Malahy. Officers say Malahy got into an argument with Burnett which turned into a physical fight. During this fight, police say Malahy shot Burnett.

Officers say they found Malahy at the scene and in possession of a handgun. He was taken into custody and he was transported to the Lexington County Detention Center.

Police say they determined Burnett and Malahy had known each other for a number of years and that they had ongoing disagreements about their own involvement in the feeding, trapping, and releasing of feral cats that are known to live behind businesses in the woods behind the business.

Man killed Lexington woman in fight over feral cats, police say

The two had an ongoing disagreement about feeding the animals outside a local business.

www.wltx.com

 

[Sevens My Charm]

Wtf kind of damage could an average 72 year old woman do - honestly..

 

[Sejanus]

Doughy pinched faced pasty looking asswipe.
String him up.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Now those poor cats that have gotten used to being fed will have no one.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Sep. 26, 2025

A verdict has been reached for a Lexington County man accused of murdering a 72-year-old woman nearly five years ago.

Jurors ruled that Sean Malahy was not guilty after a two-week trial, which was capped off with closing arguments on Friday.


The shooting stemmed from a fight over stray cats.

Prosecutors said Malahy shot 72-year-old Judy Dyanne Burnett in the face. Malahy admits to firing the gun, but insists he pulled the trigger in self-defense.

The shooting happened outside of a Food Lion in Lexington County back in December of 2020. Investigators said Burnett got into an argument with Malahy’s mom over feeding feral cats.

They said that when Malahy engaged in the argument, it led to him shooting Burnett in the face. She later died on the way to the hospital.

Police said Malahy and Burnett knew each other for years and had a history of disagreements about caring for stray cats.

In its closing argument, defense attorney John McCauley said Malahy fired his gun in self-defense, saying he feared Burnett would overpower him and put his mother in danger.

“This was a fight, an assault, a chaotic scene. Clearly, what Sean was concerned about was getting injured and losing control of the situation,” he said.

Man found not guilty in Lexington County murder case linked to feral cat dispute

A verdict has been reached for a Lexington County man accused of murdering a 72-year-old woman nearly five years ago.

www.wistv.com