Sheriff’s office seeks help in horse shooting case near Gardner

HUERFANO — In early 2012, the Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the public in finding the person or persons involved in the killing of 13 horses near Gardner in Huerfano County.
Numerous tips were reported to the sheriff or through the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line, but the authorities were not able to find enough information to complete the case.
As of March 2013, the sheriff’s office reported that new details have come up in the case and they hope the public can help again. The horses were shot and killed and found scattered throughout an area north of Highway 69. Any information on the crime can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).
“Last year, when we asked for the public’s help finding information on these horses, we received a lot of good tips but not quite enough to complete the case,” said Huerfano County Sheriff Bruce Newman. “Currently, the circumstances have changed, so we hope the public will again call us or Crime Stoppers to report new details. There’s a good chance that after a year, someone involved might be talking about it and a tip leading to a summons might get you $2,000.”
The horses’ owner reported the horses missing a day after he had turned them out on property he leases and they never returned. Shortly thereafter, sheriff’s deputies located the horses’ remains near County Road 620.2, north of Highway 69 near Gardner in Huerfano County. The 13 horses were shot in different locations and found scattered throughout the area. Many of the horses were paints and there was one mare with a foal.
Crime Stoppers will offer a reward of up to $2,000 for any information leading to an arrest or citation on this crime, and the person can remain anonymous. Tips can be called into 720-913-STOP (7867), or text to: 274637 (CRIMES). Anonymous tips also can be reported online, at http://metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/sample-page/submit-a-tip. Information on the crime also can be reported to the Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office at 719-738-1044.