Suspect in 'Bicycle Bob' Murder Appeared in Court for Animal Cruelty

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A suspect involved in the murder of a homeless man was in court Thursday morning for his alleged role in another crime. Nikolas Kerr is accused of torturing a cat and setting it on fire.

Nikolas Kerr was already released on bond for the animal cruelty charge. He was accused of a series of disturbing acts that led to the death of a 2-month-old kitten, but the district attorney is moving ahead with prosecuting that cruelty charge and may possibly upgrade Kerr's charge in a high profile murder case.

Kerr's alleged past of animal abuse is coming back to haunt him, as the potential for a murder trial appears more likely. According to a probable cause affidavit, a woman saw Kerr set a kitten on fire and then hit it against a couch approximately 12 times. He also admitted swinging the cat by its tail and throwing it against the wall. When asked why he did, Kerr allegedly said "cause I'm a sociopath."

"Let's remember, a person is innocent until proven guilty and we can give Mr. Kerr that same respect that we can give you or me or anyone else charged with that," said Kerr's defense attorney Don Jackson.

Jackson is Kerr's attorney, but he is not representing him on the animal abuse charges. Jackson was retained after Kerr was arrested earlier this week for being an accessory to the murder of a homeless man. Jackson said Kerr found out about the murder after the fact and didn't tell police.

"The person that committed this murder is a very scary individual, apparently has psychological problems and is rather intimidating. He was too scared to say anything to anyone," Jackson said.

Jackson filed a motion asking the court to set, reduce bond. But a judge denied that after Assistant District Attorney Scott Rowland said charges against Kerr could be upgraded to murder.

"Mr. Rowland is fishing. Mr. Roland is trying to make a case and we believe they're trying to make a case because the Edmond Police Department has egg on their face," Jackson said.

That of course is a reference to the wrong suspect being arrested and charged in the murder of a homeless man. Kerr has not been formerly charged, although that could happen as early as tomorrow.

The D.A.'s office has declined comment on the case until the charges are formerly filed.

More on News9.com:

More on News9.com
- New Details Released in Murder of Edmond's 'Bicycle Bob'
- Man Arrested in Death of Edmond's 'Bicycle Bob' 
- Man Says Nightmares Drove Him to Confess to 'Bicycle Bob' Murder
- Edmond Residents Gather to Remember, Honor 'Bicycle Bob'
- 3 More Arrested in Connection to 'Bicycle Bob' Murder