Mysterious sheep deaths: Mayor of California town pushes for investigation of 'vile' decapitation

Kyle Martin, The Mercury News on Apr 24, 2025

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FREMONT, Calif. — Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan called the recent discovery of decapitated and “eviscerated” sheep remains in his city “disgusting and vile” — and he is pressing police for answers after investigators closed the case.

The remains of two animals later determined to be sheep found at Centerville Train Station on April 13 left the public with many unanswered questions after police suspended their investigation, citing no evidence of “nefarious or ritualistic activity” and “no finding of a crime.”

In an interview, Salwan said the incident was “very weird,” and said he called Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington on Wednesday afternoon to ask him to continue investigating.

“I hope they continue to investigate that and get to the bottom of it because it was disgusting and vile,” Salwan said.

“I believe it’s a crime,” he added.

Fremont police and the chief did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning.

Police earlier said a forensic veterinarian in the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory identified the animals as Dorper sheep, a South African breed which are known for their adaptability to diverse climates. A spokesperson for UC Davis denied a request by this news organization to review the necropsy report — or animal autopsy — of the sheep remains.

Amtrak officials contacted city police at about 2:30 p.m. on April 13 after finding the remains on a park bench at the Centerville Train Station, 37260 Fremont Blvd.

Several bags were found at the station, including what appeared to be bags containing animal intestines or internal organs, according to authorities.

“I don’t want this to happen again,” Salwan said. “These things could only get worse if someone is truly trying to harm animals.”

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(Reporter Harry Harris contributed to this report.)

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