SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in identifying suspects involved with an animal cruelty case on the far south side.
The animal's owners, Larry and Trish Scharmann, called Thursday, saying their horse, Stormy, had been shot and killed overnight on their 16-acre pasture along the 100 block of Neal Road. The couple found their horse with at least four bullet wounds shattering her legs and shoulder.
“It wasn’t a merciful killing. It wasn’t a clean killing,” Trish Scharmann said.
According to witnesses, a white vehicle was seen parked near the complainant's property at the time of the shooting around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Investigators found evidence indicating the suspects used a rifle to shoot and kill the horse. The couple said deputies told them bullet casings found by the horse indicate a caliber often used in AR-15s.
As investigators continue searching for a suspect or suspects, the couple is left with questions.
“My first reaction was it didn’t make any sense," Larry Scharmann said. "Why? Why would you shoot a horse?”
Larry is a pastor and Trish is retired. The two can’t think of anyone who would retaliate against them or their livestock.
For now they’re leaning on their faith and eventually hope to forgive the shooter.
“I’ve been working really hard on forgiving them and I do think they should face consequences,” said Trish Scharmann.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call (210) 224-STOP.
Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information which leads to the arrest of the individual(s) involved with this incident.