Open in App
  • Local
  • Headlines
  • Election
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • New York Post

    Gunman accused of murdering 81 animals — including mini-horses and goats — in ‘horrific’ 3-hour shooting spree

    By Natalie O'Neill,

    2024-09-05

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2jhr9M_0vLwkrIw00

    A California gunman massacred more than 80 animals — including mini-horses, chickens and goats — in a horrifying, three-hour shooting spree at a farm where he lived, according to police.

    Vicente Joseph Arroyo, 39, of Salinas, allegedly murdered 81 hoofed, furry and feathered creatures — and badly injured at least five more during a deranged rampage Tuesday morning in the Prunedale area, according to Monterey County Police .

    Arroyo is accused of heartlessly gunning down “miniature horses, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and other types of birds” for no apparent reason before crashing a vehicle in a shrub-dotted area near Lemus Farm on Avery Lane, Monterey County sheriff’s officials told the LA Times.

    “[It’s] horrific and heartbreaking,” Beth Brookhouser, a spokeswoman for the police department, told the paper. “All the animals involved were sadly found deceased except for five severely injured parakeets who needed to be humanely euthanized to end their suffering.”

    ‘Russian spy’ beluga whale found dead off Norway coast had ‘multiple bullet wounds’

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2gM5k9_0vLwkrIw00
    Vicente Joseph Arroyo is accused of murdering more than 80 animals at a California farm. Monterey County Sheriff's Office

    Arroyo, who lives on the farm but is not employed there, allegedly used an illegal assault weapon along with rifles, shotguns and handguns to slaughter the animals.

    Texas family’s beloved cat returns home after 2,000-mile adventure

    Cops had no motive for the attack and said it was likely random.

    “I’ve been in law enforcement for 24 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Cmdr. Andres Rosas, a Monterey County sheriff’s spokesperson. “Being an animal lover, they become part of your family, and for them to be taken in this manner is horrible.”

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Q0EP8_0vLwkrIw00
    Arroyo was arrested after crashing his car near the farm. Monterey County Sheriff's Office

    Arroyo had allegedly stashed at least 15 firearms, including a “ghost gun,” along with 2,000 rounds of ammunition on the property, police said in a statement.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR MORNING REPORT NEWSLETTER

    The animals that survived the massacre were euthanized by the nonprofit group Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals due to the severity of their injuries, police said.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0IDASF_0vLwkrIw00
    The suspect used an illegal assault weapon along with rifles, shotguns and handguns to kill the animals, according to police. Monterey County Sheriff's Office
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1RZFSZ_0vLwkrIw00
    Cops found at least 15 firearms and 2,000 rounds of ammo on the property. Monterey County Sheriff's Office

    Arroyo was charged with cruelty to animals and illegal possession of an assault weapon.

    His bail was initially set at $50,000 but investigators have petitioned to raise it to $1 million.

    For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.

    Expand All
    Comments / 563
    Add a Comment
    Denise Mosel
    29d ago
    needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, locked away permanently, his next target will be people.
    Marly D
    30d ago
    I guess we should be grateful that his victims weren’t human. This is why I’m suspicious of those ammosexuals who amass armories for private use. Eventually, they get tired of waiting to kill. 🙁🤨
    View all comments
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local News newsLocal News
    The Shenandoah (PA) Sentinel21 days ago

    Comments / 0