Man accused of killing roommate's parrot in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- An 18-year-old man is accused of attacking his roommate and killing the man's pet parrot in Long Beach.

Edward Cervantes pleaded not guilty on Thursday to two counts: felony cruelty to an animal and misdemeanor battery. His bail was set at $20,000, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

At the time of the alleged attack, Cervantes had been staying at the victim's home in the 1300 block of East Ocean Boulevard for several months, prosecutors said.

On Dec. 26, Cervantes allegedly had an exchange with his roommate and struck him several times. Cervantes then reportedly assaulted and killed the victim's yellow-headed Amazon parrot, prosecutors said.

Cervantes was arrested a short time later. It was unclear what prompted the attack.

Cervantes is due back in court in Long Beach Jan. 8 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted as charged, he faces up to three years and six months in jail, prosecutors said.

The case is under investigation by the Long Beach Police Department.