Press Release
DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office
DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office
Photo Courtesy Of DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office
Yesterday, Deputy Beasley and Corporal Santana responded to a property located in the area of NW County Road 661 in reference to a trespass. The complainant reported two unknown males trespassed on their property and killed one of their Heifer cows.
The unknown males were identified as Charlotte County residents, Matthew Robert Wright and Gavin Hunter McMillan, and were located next to the deceased cow. The cow had an obvious gunshot wound to its head. Wright admitted to shooting the cow, which suffered briefly before he had to shoot it again to kill it. Wright said he did not plan to do anything with the cow.
Both Wright and McMillan were arrested and charged with:
• Armed Trespass F.S.S. 810.08(2)(c) – FELONY
• Aggravated Animal Cruelty F.S.S. 828.12(2) – FELONY
• Knowingly propelling a potentially lethal projectile over or across private land without authorization F.S.S. 810.09(g) – FELONY
• Possession of Marijuana less than 20gms F.S.S. 893.13(6)(b)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia pursuant to F.S.S. 893.147(1)
Cattle operations are an important livelihood for many families here in DeSoto County and across our state. Sheriff Potter is thankful for the concerned citizens and the Deputies who investigated this senseless crime.
Remember to report suspicious activity, if you see something say something. Report Animal Cruelty to us at (863) 993-4700.
