Phoenix law enforcement officials have uncovered a grim and illicit underworld of cockfighting following an investigation into armed robbery and aggravated assault. Victor Manuel Espinoza, a 60-year-old Phoenix man, is now facing cockfighting charges after Glendale police officers discovered evidence of the illegal activity at his property near 7th Avenue and Buckeye Road. According to azfamily.com, the scene included three dead chickens, a cockfighting trophy from 2024, and sharp knives associated with the fights.
When officers extended their investigation to Espinoza's other properties across the street, they encountered a disturbing tableau: 65 roosters in cages with six additional fatalities. The animals displayed varying degrees of injury indicative of participation in fights, with several groomed for impending battle. An statement obtained by azfamily.com noted, "cases used to transport roosters" were also found on the premises.
Evidence of drugs was discovered alongside the cockfighting paraphernalia, suggesting a dual operation. Espinoza's main house yielded cocaine and a substantial sum of cash, hinting at the breadth of his alleged criminal activities. Despite his arrest and the charges presented, Espinoza has denied any involvement in drug dealing or cockfighting, as reported by azfamily.com. Currently, he awaits legal proceedings on probation, strengthening his bind to the judicial system.
The investigation painted a picture of a systematic and brutal operation preying on animals for sport and profit. The expectant ring stood with roosters in cases alongside larger cages for champion fighters, revealing the hierarchy imposed on these creatures for human entertainment. According to a tweet captured by ABC15, "more than 70 roosters were found on property, [with] some already dead." Echoing a plight of brutality, At least one bird had numerous staples in its chest—a stark testament to the violence they endured.
In a somber conclusion to the case, all 65 surviving birds were deemed too aggressive to be reintegrated into any semblance of normalcy or sanctuary and were thus euthanized by the Arizona Humane Society—an action necessary yet underscored by tragedy. As the legal system grapples with the actions of Espinoza, the demise of these roosters serves as a grim reminder of the consequences that shadow the hidden world of animal cruelty and underground gambling. Details about Espinoza's indictment on one count of cockfighting, a class 5 felony, surface in the unfolding narrative of humanity's darker pursuits.
