Feds step up efforts to catch killer of Heber wild horses

HEBER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) – Law Enforcement agents with the US Forest Service have maintained a visible presence along primitive roads in the area where someone or some people have shot and killed dozens of wild horses over the past four years. That is according to a group of advocates for the horses, who also patrol the roads in the area in an effort to protect the horses.

“I think they’re taking it seriously,” said Betty Nixon, who is one of the women who spend days and nights searching for the killer.

“I’m listening for any sounds – gunshots. I’m listening for gunshots,” said Nixon, as she drove through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on a recent Monday night, as the full moon was rising on the horizon.

Several of the killings took place under a full moon or before a snowstorm. The latest occurred at the end of December.

Nixon and her fellow horse advocates have counted 40 dead horses since the shootings began, although the Forest Service reports the official count as under 30. The Heber Wild Horses are protected by federal law.

AZ Family Investigates recently spoke to the Chief of the US Forest Service about the issue when he was in Phoenix for an unrelated event.

“While I don’t know the specifics about this case, I have all the confidence that if our law enforcement needs additional help, that we’ll provide that,” said Randy Moore, the Forest Service Chief.

“I’m sure we’re doing everything we can to catch this person. But like always, it’s going to take people in the community as well. What do you know? What have you seen?” said Moore.

Forest Service officials have left flyers posted on forest roads, describing the killings and offering a $10,000 reward.

Not everybody in the community likes the horses, and some argue that they compete with cattle, deer and elk for food. One of the horse advocates even received a direct threat three years ago.

“The man said that he was going to come into her home at night, cut out her tongue and slit her throat,” said Nixon.

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