Unknown suspect shoots Trump supporters’ horse in possible politically charged attack

On the evening of October 7th, Gale and Marietta Shell, who live about five miles north of Springer, in Colfax County, discovered their young horse had been shot dead sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. 

Their property, which faces I-25, and has a large display of pro-Trump flags on large flag poles, could have been a target due to their outspoken support for President Donald Trump and could be a possible reason why their property was targeted.

According to Marietta Shell, the corral fence where the young filly, which is valued at $4,500, was located was not visible from the highway, and the culprit would have had to stop to take the shot. She says that there is just a certain window where the killer could have positioned to shoot the horse dead, according to the Shells’ neighbors and children. 

Mrs. Shell explained that they could not find a bullet or casing to identify the type of gun that shot the filly, but she believes the bullet may have hit the horse’s flank or lung area, which killed her instantly since she did not bleed out.

The incident was reported to the Colfax County Sheriff’s Department and the Livestock Board. The Sheriff and livestock inspector had filed reports on the matter. There have been no known developments in the case. 

Gale and Marietta Shell have been in the horse business for over 50 years, and they have never had a horse shot before. Due to Mr. Shell’s medical conditions, being around the horses serves as a therapy for him, but Mrs. Shell says, “This type of thing is so hard for him because he is really really attached to the horses.”

“It was just absolutely heartbreaking.” They “always had horses and It’s the best therapy in the world for my husband,” she said.

The possible politically motivated attack comes just weeks before the November 3, 2020 election, and as hundreds of Trump supporters across New Mexico have had their signs vandalized or stolen. The Piñon Post has extensively covered the vandalism of private property, specifically political signs. 

If anyone may have further information on the matter, they should report it to the Colfax County Sheriff’s Department at (575) 445-5561.