Many people are left questioning how one Monaca man could mistake a horse for a deer – ultimately shooting and killing the beloved pet, valued at $16,000, named Stella.
According to the police report, Jordan G. Cinderich, 23, of Monaca PA., was out hunting with his brother and group of friends on December 10, in New Sewickley Township, when he claims he spotted a herd of deer on a nearby hillside and took a shot.
The startled and injured target galloped away, which Cinderich thought was abnormal behavior for a deer, prompting him to locate the animal carcass, where he then discovered he had shot a horse – not a deer.
Cinderich called the police to report the incident, stating that he he mistook the horse – who had a purple blanket on her back at the time of the incident – for a deer.
“I used to hunt, unless I got a clear shot and knew what I was shooting at I didn’t fire. These type of hunters scares me,” a Facebook user said in reply to the news.
After further investigation by the New Sewickley Township Police Department and Pennsylvania Game Commission, two posted property signs were found bordering the fence line of the property, which were within 150 yards of the stable on the property.
Cinderich will be facing the following charges: one felony count of criminal mischief, and summary counts of injuring livestock, unlawful hunting, and violating rules and regulations while trespassing.
This incident follows another domestic animal hunting case that happened late last month in St. Clairsville, Ohio, when hunter advocate Michael Chedester purposely shot and killed two of his neighbors dogs – a doberman and weimaraner – out of anger after they chased a deer past his tree stand.
Chedester is also facing felony charges with the possibility of up to 24 months in prison, and he has since been fired from his forestry supervisor job with American Electric Power. More about this story and photos of the dogs can be viewed here.
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