Galen Scott
Jonathan E-Lee Shelley, 17, and Tyler Dean Alston, 18, both of Millsap, were arrested Wednesday in connection with the shooting death of a female buffalo.
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said Shelley and Alston implicated themselves in the shooting incidents during interviews with investigators.
Though Shelley and Alston were both charged with cruelty to livestock animals, a state jail felony, it remains unclear who shot the animal.
The buffalo was owned by Millsap cutting horse owner Tom Tofell, who told authorities the animal was shot once, according to a complaint. Tofell could not be reached for comment.
One spent .12 gauge shotgun shell was reportedly recovered in the roadway near the pen, along with wadding found inside the pen where the buffalo was shot.
According to a news release distributed Thursday by the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest of a third suspect is anticipated.
Shelley and Alston posted bond in the amount of $7,500 each and were released early Wednesday evening.
Investigators believe the buffalo killing was part of a larger shooting spree during a three-day period leading up to the discovery of the dead buffalo. Though no other animal shootings were reported, several businesses and signs were targeted in the Brock and Garner areas of West Parker County.
Two store front windows and a door were reportedly shot out at the Garner Store & Cafe in the 2300 block of FM 113. Garner Baptist Church members and a veterinarian clinic on FM 113 also reported shooting damage to signs.
Several mailboxes were also shot in the Garner area. Investigators are unsure if Shelley and Alston are responsible for the mailbox shootings.
“We want the public to know that the reckless and indiscriminate use of firearms is a danger to the public,” Fowler stated. “Responsible gun owners are appalled at these incidents.”
