Family’s horse shot, killed grazing on turnips | News | thedigitalcourier.com – The Daily Courier

RUTHERFORDTON Investigators are trying to learn who killed a 21-year-old quarter horse as he grazed on turnips on a family farm in Rutherfordton.

A family member of Robert Hill, of Arrowood Road, discovered Blackjack lying dead on the property Monday morning. She observed the horse while driving along Arrowood Road, with the familys property on each side of the road. Blackjack had been shot in the head by what Rutherford County Sheriff Chris Francis said appears to be from a rifle.

Diamond Hill, Roberts daughter-in-law, said Blackjack had crossed Arrowood Road from the pasture toward a turnip patch but still on the familys property.

He was just eating turnips and minding his own business, Diamond said.

Blackjack was more than one of three horses on the Hills farm. He was born and raised there, then broke for riding.

He didnt have a mean bone in his body. He was as gentle as they come, Diamond said, adding Blackjack could be trusted to ride the familys younger children.

The Hills considered BlackJack a messenger from God. He was born on the same day Robert Hills infant grandson, William Bradley, underwent open heart surgery in Winston Salem. When they noticed Blackjack had a heart-shaped marking on his left side, they deemed it as a heavenly sign the child would survive the life-threatening operation. William Bradley, now 21, did survive and is among the family members grieving Blackjacks senseless death.

However, Bradley took a turn for the worse Tuesday and was admitted at Saint Lukes Hospital in Polk County. He was then transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville, according to Robert Hill.

Doctors believe Bradley has suffered a heart attack and currently has fluid around his heart, Robert added.

Diamond said the family has no enemies and knows no reason why someone would kill a harmless animal.

This was done by someone who has a sick, twisted mind, she said.

Francis said his investigators are following all possible leads, adding Blackjack was killed either late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Robert said he has also shared newly learned information, but declined to specify.

There have been a lot of things going on in the neighborhood, Robert said, adding those activities are believed to be drug-related.

Francis worries the killing of Blackjack could trigger similar incidents.

I hope we dont have any copycat cases, Francis said.

Robert Hill said a state veterinarian responded to the crime scene and removed shrapnel from Blackjacks fatal wound.

Afterward, Blackjack was buried on the familys farm.

Robert Hill wants justice for Blackjack.

I can forgive them, but I want them punished for what they did, he said.

Anyone with information about the shooting death of Blackjack is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS 828-286-8477.

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Family's horse shot, killed grazing on turnips | News | thedigitalcourier.com - The Daily Courier