Update: Horse Slaughter Subject Photos Released

Update: Detectives say they’ve identified the two subjects and found they have no information or connection with the case. The investigation continues.

Earlier:

As Manatee County Sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the slaughter of a show horse in October, they’ve identified two men they would very much like to speak to.

The case in question unfolded in the overnight hours Saturday, Oct. 24 or sometime early that Sunday morning. Deputies say a person or people went onto private property along Gillet Road in Palmetto and took the horse from its stall. The stall happened to be attached to the home the animal’s owners were sleeping in.

The horse’s body was found by deputies the morning of Oct. 25 with “large portions of meat cut from it and missing,” an email from the agency stated.

See Also:

• Show Horse’s Slaughter Under Investigation

While no arrests have been made, deputies have identified two “subjects who may have information on the incident,” a Thursday, Nov. 5 email from the sheriff’s office stated.

The men were spotted at the Circle K store at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Moccasin Wallow Road in northern Manatee County at 5 a.m. Oct. 25, deputies say.

Anyone who can identify the men, the vehicle they were in or who has information in the case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 941-747-3011, Ext. 2542. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-634-TIPS. A reward of up to $30,000 is being offered by Crime Stoppers and the animal’s owners for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

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Photos courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office