Brookhaven Police Arrest Local Rapper After Video Shows Puppy Cruel Abuse on Livestream

BROOKHAVEN, Georgia – The Brookhaven Police Department has arrested a 19-year-old Brookhaven woman following an animal cruelty investigation sparked by disturbing video footage that circulated widely on social media.

Police say Aspen Easterling, also known by her stage name “Aspen Kartier,” was taken into custody on Friday, January 30, 2026, after investigators identified her as the individual seen in a livestream video allegedly beating a three-month-old Maltipoo puppy. The incident was streamed on Twitch, where viewers reported seeing Easterling strike the puppy after it exited a crate, while the dog could be heard yelping in pain. Twitch has banned her from the platform.

Brookhaven Police began receiving a large volume of complaints and tips on January 30 after the video spread online. Investigators determined the incident occurred at a residence located at 1105 Town Boulevard within the City of Brookhaven. Based on the information gathered, officers obtained both a search warrant for the residence and an arrest warrant for Easterling.

At approximately 9:35 p.m. that evening, officers executed the warrants and arrested Easterling without incident. The puppy was found inside the residence and appeared to be in good health at the time. DeKalb County Animal Control responded to the scene and took custody of the dog.

Easterling was transported to the DeKalb County Jail and charged with animal cruelty. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Brookhaven Police Department at 404-637-0600. For questions regarding the dog’s status or adoption, the public is directed to DeKalb County Animal Control.