A Crestview, Florida woman has been taken into custody on allegations of animal cruelty after reportedly drowning her roommate's pet spider in a fizzy bath of ginger ale. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office apprehended Illena Rasmussen, aged 43, on charges of animal cruelty and petit theft, as detailed by FOX 35 Orlando. The incident, which took place on July 15, began when Rasmussen's roommate discovered that her pet jumping spider was missing from its designated enclosure.

The roommate, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported the disappearance after returning home and subsequently contacted Rasmussen. Live 5 News reports that Rasmussen responded to officials' inquiries, confirming she had submerged the arachnid in ginger ale. Officials have not yet determined why Rasmussen would kill the eight-legged pet, valued at $70.

Authorities say that Rasmussen refused to discuss the incident in person, but confessed to the crime during a phone call with a deputy. According to statements obtained by Albany Metro Community News, the text message Rasmussen sent to her roommate about the act was an incriminating piece of evidence that led to her arrest.

Presently, Rasmussen is being charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for the untimely demise of the invertebrate, as well as petty theft—a charge reflective not just of the loss of life but also of the spider's monetary value. The roommates' domestic dispute has escalated into a legal matter, spotlighting once more the complexities of shared living spaces and an unforeseen consequence that now ripples through the Crestview community.