‘Furry’ who Called Himself a ‘Beast’ Sentenced to Prison for Killing Teen Girl’s Parents

A California man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the brutal 2016 murders of three people, including the parents of a teenage girl he became fixated on after meeting her through the “furry” subculture. Frank Sato Felix, now 33, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison after being found guilty last year of three counts of first-degree murder with enhancements for committing multiple killings. The victims were Jennifer Goodwill-Yost, 39; her husband Christopher Yost, 35; and their family friend Arthur “Billy” Boucher, who happened to be staying overnight at the family’s Fullerton home. The murders were part of a calculated plan to remove the girl’s parents so she could run away with Felix.

Relationship Sparked in Online Subculture

Prosecutors said the then-17-year-old girl met Felix, then 25, through the furry subculture — a community where participants dress in animal costumes and often socialize online and at conventions. The girl had been introduced to the community by her mother. Felix became “obsessed” with the teen and began a romantic relationship with her. At the time, Felix was also close friends with Joshua Charles Acosta, a 21-year-old Army mechanic stationed at Fort Irwin. The girl’s parents strongly disapproved of her relationship with Felix and reportedly tried to intervene. Believing the parents were the only obstacle to their relationship, Felix hatched a deadly plan.

Night of the Murders

On September 24, 2016, Felix and Acosta drove to the Yost residence. They waited until the family was asleep. The teenage girl, aware of their presence, came outside and sat in Felix’s truck parked in the driveway while Acosta entered the home with a shotgun provided by Felix. Inside, Acosta first shot Boucher, who was sleeping on the couch. He then went to the master bedroom and fatally shot Goodwill-Yost in the face. Christopher Yost tried to escape but was pursued and shot in the head on the patio. All three victims died at the scene. After the murders, the trio returned to Felix’s home in Sun Valley. Prosecutors said they attempted to cover their tracks by burning their clothing and destroying their phones. Tragically, two younger children, ages 6 and 9, were asleep in the house and discovered the bodies the next morning. They were the ones who called 911.

Accomplice Already Convicted; Teen Not Charged

Acosta was arrested shortly after at his military base and was convicted in 2018. He is currently serving life in prison. Felix was arrested at his home and has now received the same fate. In court, he referred to himself as a “beast” and told the victims’ families he wished he could trade places with those who died. The teen girl later testified at Acosta’s trial, claiming she was unaware of the murder plot. She also accused her stepfather of years of sexual abuse and claimed Felix had manipulated her emotionally and sexually. She was never charged in the case.