Florida Woman Arrested in Connection with Drowning of Roommate’s $70 Jumping Spider

A woman from Florida has been apprehended for allegedly killing her roommate's pet, authorities claim. Ilena Renae Rasmussen, 43, from Crestview, was arrested in July for the death of a jumping spider, The Independent reported.

On July 15, Rasmussen's roommate alerted authorities regarding her pet's death, the Independent reported.

The roommate came to her residence and found both the jumping spider and its enclosure missing, the Miami Herald reported. Rasmussen allegedly admitted to the roommate that she killed the jumping spider.

"The defendant texted the victim admitting to drowning the jumping spider in Ginger Ale," the sheriff’s office wrote in an affidavit, Miami Herald reported. The drowning was allegedly intentional, and officers took Rasmussen into custody, according to police.

Rasmussen has been charged with animal cruelty and petty theft for the missing spider enclosure, officials said, Miami Herald reported. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the crime.

The spider has been valued at $70, the Miami Herald reported. As per experts, Jumping Spiders don't grow more than three-quarters of an inch, and many species are native to the U.S. Many spider hobbyists, prefer to keep this species as pets.

"Jumping spiders are small but often have very colorful, and even iridescent, markings," U.S. Fish and Wildlife reports. "They seem to be curious and to possess an awareness of being watched. They’ll respond by turning to face you and raise their head to in turn study you."

These spiders are also beneficial in the control of flies, mosquitoes, and other human pests, the University of Florida reported.

The accused has been released on a personal recognizance bond, Law & Crime reported. Okaloosa County court records show several prior charges associated with a person carrying the defendant’s name and birth date. These charges range from battery to driving under the influence.

According to court records, Rasmussen, at present, is not represented by any counsel, Law & Crime reported. The defendant is set to appear in court on August 20, for her arraignment.