Russell Willeford found guilty on two of five charges

From KTVZ.COM news sources

After about three hours of deliberations, a Deschutes County jury issued a split verdict in the case of a Portland-area man accused of shooting a summer-camp horse and leaving it in the woods near Sisters to die.

The jury found Russell "Dan" Willeford guilty on one count of first-degree animal abuse and a count of criminal mischief, but acquitting him on a second first-degree abuse charge, as well as charges of neglect and first-degree theft.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Stephen Tiktin set sentencing for June 9.

Outside the courtroom, sheriff's Lt. Kevin Dizney said they were pleased with the jury's decision, after an investigation that took several months.

"It's very important for the public to realize that animals are a very important part of our community, and that law enforcement will continue to work on these investigations in the future. And we're very happy with this verdict."

Last October, a 6-year-old Camp Tamarack horse named "Nikko" was found wandering in the woods near Sisters, shot twice in the head.

He was nursed back to health by rescuers who named him Trooper, and later began a new life at the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Tumalo, with a new name: "Hero."

Nikko was shot first in the eye with a 9-mm gun, then again in the temple and left to die.

Willeford took the stand in his own defense during the trial, to tell his version of what happened and why.

Deschutes County Deputy DA Mary Anderson said there is a maximum 5-year prison term for the criminal mischief conviction, a Class C felony; animal abuse is a Class A misdemeanor.

The jury was presented with two animal abuse theories, knowing or reckless. The jury convicted Willeford on the knowing theory.

He was found not guilty on the animal neglect charge involving the pre-existing injury to his leg, Anderson said.

The prosecutor said two vets testified the horse was not a candidate for euthanasia.