A 17-year-old female was arrested Saturday for stabbing three show horses at the National Barrel Horse Association's supershow held at South Point Arena in Las Vegas [1, 2]. Authorities discovered the horses' injuries around 2 a.m. Saturday and took the suspect into custody at a nearby hotel later the same day [2].
The horses injured were named Detail, Rocket, and Saaul Good, also known as Sully [1]. The teen gained access to the barn where they were kept and used a sharp object believed to be a knife to inflict multiple wounds on the animals [1, 2]. Although the injuries were not life-threatening, they prevented the horses from competing in the event [1, 2].
The suspect faces 12 counts of willful or malicious killing, maiming, or torturing an animal along with 3 counts of felony malicious destruction of private property valued over $5,000 [1, 2]. Clark County District Attorney Steven Wolfson said, "These allegations involve deliberate acts of extreme cruelty against defenseless animals and have had a significant impact on the victims, the owners, and the broader equestrian community" [1]. Officials are seeking to try her as an adult on these charges [1].
Horse owner Arielle Phillips told police the suspect had been stalking her on social media and approached her at the barn before the attacks. Phillips said, "Last night at 11pm I was sitting with Detail at her stall for an hour. This girl came by twice trying to make conversation and ask weird questions. She had no business hanging out in [the] barn" [1].
The National Barrel Horse Association stated the incident was isolated and handled immediately. "The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind," NBHA said [2].
The suspect’s identity remains withheld due to her age [2]. The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing.
