By Trend News Line 2024-03-19 14:36:31.
Men Plead Guilty to Fatally Shooting Wild Burros in Southern California’s Mojave Desert
In a disturbing turn of events, two men have pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges for fatally shooting three wild burros with AR-style rifles in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. The men, identified as Christopher James Arnet, 32, of Colorado, and Cameron John Feikema, 36, of California, admitted to driving out to the desert in Arnet’s truck in November 2021. The area they targeted was public land in San Bernardino County, as revealed in a news release from the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
Details of the Incident
Dressed in tactical gear, including helmets with night-vision goggles, and armed with short-barreled AR-style firearms, the two men embarked on their cruel mission in the dead of night. Around 1 a.m. local time, they callously fired on the innocent burros, resulting in the deaths of three animals. Tragically, one of the burros was left paralyzed and in severe pain before succumbing to its injuries.
Legal Consequences
Following an investigation by the Bureau of Land Management, it was discovered that the firearms used in the heinous act were unregistered, a violation of federal law. Both Arnet and Feikema were subsequently charged with a felony count of possession of an unregistered firearm, as well as a misdemeanor count of maliciously causing the death of a burro on public lands. As part of their plea agreements, the men have agreed to forfeit the rifles, night vision goggles, and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition.
Upcoming Sentencing
The two men are scheduled to appear in court on July 8 for sentencing. They each face the possibility of up to 10 years in prison for the firearm charge and one year in prison for the charge of killing the burros. The severity of the penalties highlights the gravity of their actions and serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar acts of cruelty.
Protection of Wild Burros
Burros, like wild horses, are federally protected under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Those found guilty of harming these animals, whether through capturing, branding, harassing, or killing, can face significant fines and jail time. The tragic incident in the Mojave Desert serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these majestic creatures for future generations to enjoy.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
As the case continues to unfold, it is essential for authorities and the public to remain vigilant in upholding the laws that protect our wildlife and ensure that those who commit acts of cruelty are held accountable for their actions. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the conservation of wild burros and other vulnerable species in the region..
1. Men admit to killing protected wild burros in Mojave Desert
2. Men admit to killing protected wild burros in Mojave Desert inhumane.
