New Jersey doctor Emilio Otero has been accused of sacrificing animals for satanic “Santeria witchcraft” in his apartment after investigators went to his home on Van Horne Street, reports the Daily Star.
“A doctor has been accused of sacrificing livestock for Santeria witchcraft in his flat after investigators discovered 22 farm animals being kept in his New Jersey home on Thursday. When authorities arrived at Emilio Otero’s property on Van Horne Street they were met with ‘seven to nine’ goats, several chickens and even a dead pigeon nailed above a door.” It appears that Jersey City has an ordinance against keeping farm animals within the city, which could mean that Otero broke the law. He has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
“The investigators from the Division of Environmental Health for Jersey City visited the apartment after a tip off from Emilio’s neighbours. Animal service agents were called to the flat and they removed at least 22 farm animals that had been kept in the three bedroom property,” reported the Star. (READ MORE: Australian Authorities Shoot Rescue Dogs To Death Under COVID-19 Restrictions)
The owner of the apartment, U.S. Navy Sailor Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez, accused Otero of not paying rent since May, sacrificing animals, and causing damages to her property.
“I come from humble beginnings. I served this country, I purchased this house, I live on the same block and I wanted to get an investment property, and this is what this has turned in to,” said Brevard-Rodriguez. (READ MORE: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Airs Weird Satanic Scene During Botched Broadcast)
According to H. James Boor from the Division of Environmental Health for Jersey City, authorities discovered a disturbing “four or five dead chicken carcasses” with their “throats slashed” and “left in a pile.” The investigation into Otero is currently ongoing and he has not been arrested or charged, however Boor said that “as the investigation goes on, (Otero) could face per count — not sure how many counts — but per count issued by my inspectors it could be $2,000 and 90 days in jail.” Faith in Santeria is based on the building of relationships between humans and deities, with animal sacrifice being central to the religion.
Within Santeria blood sacrifice is only done with the kinds of animals you’d find on a farm: chickens, roosters, goats, sheep, pigeons, etc. It is a required part of any initiation (Elekes, Warriors, Orisha Addimú, Kariocha) and without blood sacrifice you do not have the presence of the orishas in that ritual, and you do not have a legitimate consecration. This is an ancient and traditional practice upheld by the culture bearers of our religion and is not something that can be excluded in said rituals.