Louisiana Man Arrested For Strangling Baby Deer To Death
What is this world coming to?
How many times have you uttered those very words over the last few years? Well, sit tight; I'm about to add another such occasion to your long list.
The Louisiana Radio Network has just reported that after discovering video evidence of the horrific event, 18-year-old Taryn Varnell of Grayson, La. in Caldwell Parish has been arrested for allegedly strangling a spotted fawn.
Senior Agent Michael Thacker of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says that on July 9, during an investigation into another matter, agents stumbled upon the video. Thacker added, "I wasn’t expecting it. It shocked the conscience, that’s for sure.”
Continuing, Thacker says “The individual choked the fawn out. He stood it up, lifted it overhead and slammed it back to earth in an aggressive manner.”
The individual in the graphic video was identified as Varnell and on August 21, investigators found him at home, where, according to Thacker, he confessed to the crime.
“He was respectful and remorseful for his actions,” Thacker says, “but ultimately he was going to be booked into jail.”
Thacker commented that Varnell has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, and if convicted, he could face up to a $25,000 fine and up to ten years in prison.
Additionally, Varnell has been charged with taking a spotted fawn which could result in 15-30 days in jail and a fine between $500 and $750. He might be sentenced to pay more than $1,600 in restitution for the replacement value of the deer.