POLK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA: A man who was honored as a 'Horseman of the Year' for his contributions to the equestrian community in North Carolina is facing charges of assault and animal cruelty after he allegedly shot and killed his son's horse during an argument. John Victor 'Vick' Russell, 75, was arrested on Wednesday after he fired his weapon at his son's horse at a property at Vick Russell Lane in the Green Creek Community, according to the Polk County Sherriff's Department.
The motive behind the shooting is unclear, but witnesses reportedly told deputies that a fight had broken out between the father and son before the fatal incident. A native of the Tryon, North Carolina, area Russel has been a longtime successful competitor and trainer in the show ring. He is known as a stalwart of the local horse community as per a report.
His son was riding the horse at the time of the shooting
Russell's son, whose name was not disclosed, was riding the horse at the time of the shooting, but he was not injured, officials said. Russell was taken into custody at his Ly-Nard Hills Farm in Columbus after a fight at the home involving gunfire, in North Carolina, where he runs a horse training business. He has been charged with assault on a person with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and felony animal cruelty causing the death of an animal. He was given a $90,000.00 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 19 as per WYFF.
Russell is a 'local legend' a is praise for his families legacy in the sport
The shooting shocked the local equestrian community, where Russell is well-known and respected for his work with horses. Last month, he was inducted into the in Tyron, North Carolina, and received a plaque for his service to equestrians. In September 2021, he was featured in a story by the that called him a 'local legend' and praised his family's legacy in the sport. "We're shining the spotlight on our 'Local Legends' who have played significant roles in the development of equestrian sport in the area and at the Tryon International Equestrian Center," the publication wrote. "From the barns and show rings to small towns and main streets, the Russell family has built quite the beloved name for themselves in our community," the Tyron Center writes.
