Frank Sato Felix, a 33-year-old California man, was sentenced to three life terms in prison without the possibility of parole on April 11, 2025, after being convicted of the special circumstance murders of Jennifer Goodwill Yost, her husband Christopher Yost, and their friend Arthur William Boucher.
The murders occurred in Fullerton, California, on September 24, 2016, and were described as the result of Felix’s obsession with a teen girl he met through the “furry” community.
The Murders and the Obsession
Felix, who went by the name “Entey” in the furry community, was introduced to Jennifer Goodwill Yost’s 17-year-old daughter through the subculture, where people often dress as anthropomorphic animals. According to prosecutors, the teen and Felix began a romantic relationship, which her mother and stepfather opposed.
On the night of September 24, 2016, Felix and his accomplice, Joshua Charles Acosta, who was also involved in the murders, decided to take extreme action.
Acosta, referred to as a “Brony” (an adult male fan of the My Little Pony animated series), entered the Yost family’s home early in the morning, armed with a shotgun and ammunition provided by Felix.
Acosta fatally shot Jennifer Yost while she was in bed and Arthur Boucher, who was sleeping on the couch. Christopher Yost, trying to flee the house, was also shot and killed by Acosta.
After the killings, Felix and the teen girl drove to Felix’s home, where they disposed of the clothes they had been wearing. The couple’s 6-year-old daughter later called 911 to report the shocking crime, saying, “Her mother is dead on the bed and her father is dead in the backyard.”
The Aftermath and Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, Amy Rutherford, Christopher Yost’s sister, delivered an emotional victim impact statement, expressing that no sentence could undo the devastation caused by the brutal murders.
Felix was convicted in November 2024 for his role in the murders. Despite his defense, prosecutors detailed his obsession with the teen and the tragic consequences of his actions. Acosta was also involved in the killings, and both men faced legal repercussions for their roles in the crime.
Felix’s sentence of three life terms without parole will ensure he spends the rest of his life in prison for the horrific crimes.
The “Furry” Community and Its Role in the Crime
The furry community is a subculture made up of people who enjoy creating and dressing up as anthropomorphic animals, often through elaborate costumes or “fursonas.”
While the community is diverse, with many members participating for fun and creative expression, the obsession and dynamics within subgroups can sometimes become problematic, as seen in this tragic case.