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Snapchat Video Shows Hamster's Fiery Death, 2 Teens Charged

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (CBSMiami/ AP) —  Two Virginia Beach teenagers admitted to posting a video online showing one of them setting a hamster on fire.

Virginia Beach Animal Control said in a news release that 19-year-old Rayshawn D. Steverson and 18-year-old Anthony W. Diangelo have each been charged with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. The crime is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Court documents say a video posted on a Steverson's Snapchat account July 6 shows Diangelo pouring gasoline on the hamster and then lighting it, killing the animal.

Investigators say Diangelo initially brought the hamster to Steverson's house to feed it to his snake, but the reptile only bit the rodent.

It's unclear whether either teenager has an attorney.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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