'Horseman of the Year' fatally shoots equine in angry standoff with son

Kyle

Beloved Misanthrope
PREMO Member
John Victor Russell faces charges of assault on a person with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill


A renowned North Carolina horse trainer is facing criminal charges after accidentally fatally shooting a horse during an argument with his son.

John Victor Russell, 75, is accused of shooting a gun at his son during a heated argument, instead striking a family horse the son was riding, according to a New York Times report Tuesday.

While the son sustained no injuries in the incident, the horse, which was identified by family as a Grand Prix jumper named Franklin’s Tower, was euthanized as a result of its injuries.

Russell, who was recently dubbed "Horseman of the Year" after being inducted into the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame, now faces charges of assault on a person with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill and felony animal cruelty causing the death of an animal. He was released on $90,000 bond and plans to plead not guilty during his July 19 court appearance, according to the report.


 
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