LaPorte family’s beloved horse found shot to death

By Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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Satoski family found Belgian draft horse Ben shot to death in LaPorte

The Satoski family of LaPorte found their Belgian draft horse "Ben" shot to death when they woke up on Sunday, November 16, 2008. Pictured is the Satoski's other Belgian draft horse "Duke." (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

LaPORTE — It’s a heartbreaking case of animal cruelty. A family's beloved horse was shot between the eyes and killed. Now the search is on for the shooter.

The family is offering a reward for any information leading to an arrest, and we're just now learning their horse may not have been the only one shot over the weekend.

The Satoski family is desperately searching for anyone who can point them to the person who shot and killed Ben — a 5-year-old Belgian draft horse.

To this family and their community, he was much more than just a horse.

Sue Satoski's love for her horses cannot be put into words.

“I've had them since I was born,” she said. “You can't explain the bond that you can have with them. It's just a calming sensation.”

It's a love she now shares with her husband Brian and their three children, all caring for their pride and joy: Cash, Duke, Rocky and Flash. And for the last five years, they've had a special place in their hearts for Ben.

“Anybody who came into contact with a horse, went to that horse, and when they left they were in love with ‘Big Ben,’” said Brian Satoski.

A local favorite at community events, Ben was a Belgian draft just like his buddy Duke, but bigger.

“I loved opening the curtains and my first vision is those two Belgians at the feeder every morning,” Brian said.

But Sunday morning the Satoskis woke up and looked out their window and noticed Ben wasn't with the other horses. He wasn't feeding. He was on the ground and he wasn't moving.

“I couldn't believe it,” Sue explained. “I said, ‘Somebody shot him! Look at his head!’ It was a well-placed bullet.”

A bullet between the eyes.

“He suffered,” Sue said. “He flipped around out there, I mean you could tell.”

“In this case, there's no doubt in our mind that this was an intentional act,” said Det. John Boyd of the LaPorte Co. Sheriff's Dept.

So LaPorte County police are on the case and looking for leads.

“This horse had a name. It had an identity. It was a friend to many people,” Boyd said. “We're going to do everything we can to bring these people to justice and hold them accountable for what they did.”

“They didn't just take him away from us; they took him away from thousands of people … and you just you don't replace him,” Sue cried.

Tuesday afternoon, the Satoskis heard of another horse that may have been shot in neighboring Porter County early Sunday morning.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department.

Sunday, Dec 7 at 3:52 PM hi wrote ...

what did the horse do?well any ways the person who did that must be sick in their head he/she should be ashamed of their self alot

Sunday, Dec 7 at 12:55 PM Tired of sick people wrote ...

Inferior people hurt and kill children and animals, because they are such easy targets! I hope these horse killers and that poor little girl's daddy (aka killer) all get what they deserve and no less! Sick, sick world...

Saturday, Dec 6 at 6:45 PM mark wrote ...

SOrry abaout Ben !! I have shown Belgians for many years ,they are amazing !!

Saturday, Dec 6 at 10:59 AM Ivy wrote ...

That poor horse. I know I would have been devastated if it had been one of mine in Ben's place. What could be a motive for killing an animal like that. Shooting hm at point blank range is equivalent to murder, and it is an atrocity. May the Goddess bring the horrible people responsible for this to justice.

Wednesday, Nov 26 at 5:13 PM caroline wrote ...

poooor pooor horse

Tuesday, Nov 25 at 8:04 AM nancy wrote ...

MAY GOD be with you at this time i will offer you my belgian to walk in the place to represent Ben if needed for rides his name is reprasenative jay and i know how you feel im like the BIGGEST animal lover and those freaks WILL be cought! it may take time but they will brag to the wrong person.I whish the best to your family and may the shooters burn in hell!and they will feel what it is 2 lose a loved one i hope they pay for this intended crime to the FULLEST god bless to the kids and family!

Sunday, Nov 23 at 8:49 AM ilovemyhorse wrote ...

To Humanist, are you for real? Please show me your scale for equality? A life is a life...And this animal was innocent!NOT able to defend itself! Humans are NOT so innocent. If they were we wouldn't be posting about this sick person. I think its silly you are so ignorant. Where do I donate for the reward??

Saturday, Nov 22 at 11:43 AM Brent wrote ...

What awful people to do this. They should be scalded and skined with a carrot peeler. Most likley a person without any regard for anyone or thing-we should rid the earth of them.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 9:09 PM Kim wrote ...

On Oct. 26, my horse was found shot between the eyes in the pasture as well. The police in our area believe it to be a gang shoot. They kill animals instead of people-thinking that the punishment is less severe. They also take a before and after picture to show proof of what they did. In our area, they call it "purpose and meaning." I know how this family feels as I had this horse for 14 years and we had such a bond and the trust we built between one another could never be replaced.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 8:32 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Horses are very intelligent animals, and most are loved by their families. For someone to do this is so unthinkable. I do hope they catch the person that did this and they not only go to jail for a long time, but they are made to pay the family for their loss. Money won't cure their heartache, but this guy shouldn't get off without reimbursing them for all the money they are out because of this horrible ordeal.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 6:54 PM mark wrote ...

this is just wrong .I hope they catch this person and do the same thing to him or her .I use to raise horses a few years back .Like any pet they become part of the family .My prayers go out to the family

Thursday, Nov 20 at 11:51 AM Jodi Messenich wrote ...

I would like to contribute $500 to the reward how do I do that?

Thursday, Nov 20 at 11:08 AM CAROL wrote ...

I am sorry for the family and the horse. Didn't deserve to die that way..I do believe that what comes around goes around, One day you do may have something like this happen to you and your family and you won't believe how much pain it will cause you. Everyone will answer to our wrong doings maybe not today but tomorro always comes...We are getting to be a sick world....

Thursday, Nov 20 at 10:47 AM Another Hunter esq wrote ...

Apology accepted, Cornfusion.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 9:08 AM N wrote ...

I'm a funny person that doesnt take things too seriously in life. I can find humor in anything, and make a joke out of anything. But there is nothing funny here. Someone walked up to a horse standing in a field and shot it between the eyes? Just because? Who is this person and why are they allowed on the streets with us normal folks? Scary scary stuff.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 7:28 AM k wrote ...

hey Larry, I totally agree! BUT, jail is too good for them!! Beat him or her within an inch of their life THEN let the owner of the horse shoot them like they did her horse!!! I'm so tired of these creeps getting away with murder!! If we went back to hanging them in the middle of town like the old days, we wouldn't have so much crime out there! I'm so sorry for your loss!! I'm praying every day that they catch the scum that did this.

Thursday, Nov 20 at 4:07 AM Jmish wrote ...

I have it on a good authority that this horse had a gambling problem. He was ears deep in mob debt and had resorted to turning tricks to pay the bookies off. Unfortunately the johns aren't interested in a dried up old horse. :(

Thursday, Nov 20 at 3:39 AM Bubba wrote ...

To Cornfusion, Thank you very much. I do appreciate your opinion and also the fact the you can admitt when you go a little overboard. And also to 5:37 to Hunters. I do realize that there are some very unethical hunters out there, But it seems that most people want to hang a monicer on all hunters that they are wicked and thugs as some other call them. Most are respecting and honest and I for one am one of the first to report these people. I was tought to respect the animal and the land I hunt.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:54 PM Maggi wrote ...

I have been a horse owner for over 10 years. I cant even begin to discribe my outrage over this. I am so sorry. It makes me just sick to my stomach. I still cry for you. I pray for you and your family. and I pray for ben. the person responsible for this should be tried as if they had done this to a human.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:46 PM Laura wrote ...

KUDOS to WSBT for getting rid of some of the extremely insensitve comments. Many just don't have a clue...

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:33 PM Triton Parent wrote ...

Banning guns won't do anything except keep God-fearing Americans from owning them and being able to protect themselves and their families from idiots like the one who shot beautiful Ben. All the 'thugs' will be able to find guns and such on the black market...where will that leave the rest of us. And let's leave all the other political issues out of this. Plain and simple...this is a horrible crime against a beautiful animal and his family! Let's focus on that!! God Bless You!!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 9:41 PM Sue Satoski wrote ...

To MLE and ELKHART, God Bless you for offering to contribute to the reward!! If you would like to add to the reward we are offering you can contact the L.P. County police dept. they will put you in contact with us. We have had quite a few business' and individuals in our area do the same. Sadly GREED motivates some people. I believe anything you can donate will help. You can't imagine what it means to know that there really are compassionate people out there! Thank you so much, Sue Satoski

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To Humanist at 3:06, an innocent animals life IS more important than alot of the scum human beings walking the planet. Humans have choices. Animals like this horse are the only completley innocent ones.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 7:20 PM Larry wrote ...

I hope they find out who shot that horse and beat this person withing a inch of he or she's life. Then, toss them in jail for the rest of their life.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 6:46 PM StarChamber wrote ...

Disrepectful, immature Susan: Wrong! I am a disabled, senior citizen who doesn't stand on street corners with pro-life posters of murdered pre-born babies. But I would like to if I could stand for any length of time. Let me guess. With a 6 year old, you sound like an under-30, single mother, modern liberated woman who buys into all the liberal-Democrap , anti-establishment BS culture that is about to throw us back to the stone age. You WebNazi know-it-alls-distort, distort for your own agenda.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 6:44 PM Elkhart wrote ...

I would like to contribute to the reward. How may I do this?

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 6:35 PM SS Sam wrote ...

4:36, He apologized and explained his statement. How you could have read it and still post something like your comment demonstrates who the real IDIOT is. He didn't have to say anything. It takes a big person to apologize, and he wasn't really as wrong as misunderstood. You on the other hand could probably sleep in a match box.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 6:30 PM DJ wrote ...

That's so sad!! Who would do that!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 5:37 PM TO HUNTERS... wrote ...

Are you actually naive enough to think that anyone who hunts, is of the uptmost integrity & honesty? Yes, a REAL hunter is, but there are MANY who consider themselves hunters, who poach, check in other's deer, and will just flatout shoot anything. Pretty stupid & naive to say CAN'T BE A HUNTER. A cop checks all leads. It was Opening Deer Season. If there's no tracks, check the forensics of the hunters nearby. How do you explain PEOPLE getting shot as being mistaken for deer?

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 5:05 PM Elmer wrote ...

It's a shame when they catch these kids they will get off. Please remember community service is NOT punishment. I know someone who stole money from Target and was given community service - this person cleans a Church for the service!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 5:00 PM Susan wrote ...

Starchamber, let me guess. You are one of those sick twisted individuals who stand on street corners with anti abortion posters that show mangled fetuses that I then need to explain to my 6 year old. And what does abortion have to do with the loss of this family's horse? Get a clue!!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 4:54 PM Susan wrote ...

Sue and family, I am so sorry at the loss of your beloved horse. I cannot imagine what you are going through. I can only hope that someone comes forward and reports this to authorities and the person responsible is jailed. I would hope there is some charge more than animal cruelty. I don't know. You and yours are in my prayers. Keep your other animals safe.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 4:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

cornfusion is still an IDIOT!!! get a life other than your Stupid comments on this site

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:20 PM anon wrote ...

all forms of affection deemed inappropriate, violent video games, parents out of the home 24/7, music praising the "thug" life. it doesn't take brains to figure out how someone was capable of this.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:18 PM anon wrote ...

why are hunters being brought into this? did i miss something? no one knows who did this and right away we bring up one of the oldest traditions in our country? again..staggered by the indiocy.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:06 PM Humanist wrote ...

My sympathies to the owners. I hope the perpetrator is caught and can pay restitution. With your vengeance comments, some of you seem to believe that a horse life has equal value to a human life. That’s silly.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:06 PM Dana wrote ...

My heart bleeds for Ben and his family. It saddens me to the depth of my soul that any human being could be so full of evil and so unfeeling for their fellow beings. I will continue to pray for all those involved.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 2:33 PM Bobbie wrote ...

My sympathies to the family. I am a lover of all animals....even the wild. The person/persons who did this had a fried brain or no brains at all. To the person who is responsible if you read these comments...do you live in torment for what you do or are you just plain STUPID! Hope you are caught!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 2:23 PM I wrote ...

My heart goes out to the Satoski family. I am a big horse lover. I dont know how anyone could do such an awful thing. I cried when I told my husband what happened. We pray that they find this person or these people. They need to be brought to justice for what they did.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:52 PM anonOmus wrote ...

If this was a deliberate act as stated then there should be foot prints somewhere close by...can they be a clue? Why was this beautiful animal targeted? Is the area wide open? Are the horses visible from the road ? I am sure many questions have come up...the biggest of all is just plain WHY?

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:42 PM So Sorry For Your Family's Loss wrote ...

The way this was done, it obviously wasn't a hunter. It sounds like a gang or drug crazed ploy of just doing something because they feel they can! Individuals who have no respect for anything including themselves are responsible. It's their way of showing how tough they are (NOT). Our world is headed for real trouble as things like this are becoming much more common. The family unit is gone, morals are gone, respect is gone, God fearing is gone. The world needs lots of prayer.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:29 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

By the way WSBT, Nice of you to pull the remark from 10:52 I believe it was last night. I guess I should apologize to you guys also because I was a few feet past blunt when I typed in my opinion of it but I really can't believe it showed up. It would have been nice if these people could have seen how I responded to that but their issue was their impression of my opinion of hunters and it was well taken.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:20 PM bob wrote ...

i am an avid hunter and i do agree with the reward it should be dead or alive or better yet tie this man to a light pole and let the public punish him however they see fit

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:15 PM Cornfusion Part 3 wrote ...

did and the animal had to be put down. I guess I'm of the mind that I don't want to think that someone would deliberately destroy a beautiful animal such as Ben. I can't call it an accident or carelessness, just thoughtlessness and a lack of respect for life and other peoples property. I have NOTHING against hunters. I envy them. I love wildlife but I can see the need to thin herds and I think hunters get more satisfaction from being effective than they get pleasure from killing. I apologize.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:10 PM Frank wrote ...

My sympathy to you Sue, I was so sad to hear that someone would do this to your beautiful horse is beyond belief. There is a real coward walking around somewhere and Jesus knows who he is.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:09 PM Cornfusion Part 2 wrote ...

people who 'GO' hunting and do not project the integrity or pride that most hunters do. We all know that there are mostl good priest and a few bad priest, good teachers, bad teachers, and so on. Once while I was coaching a school football team a player saw a dog near the field and threw the ball in the dogs direction. HE HIT THE POOR DOG! He didn't think about what might happen if he hit it, found it hard to believe that he DID hit it. Most of us were surprised he could throw it that far, but he

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:09 PM Sharon Denton wrote ...

I cannot tell you how very sorry I am that somebody would be so heartless to animal. "A man is truly ethical only when he obeys the compulsion to help all life which he is able to assist, AND SHRINKS FROM INJURING ANYTHING THAT LIVES. - ALBERT SCHWEITZER The person that killed Ben must be one of the the smallest humans on this earth. Again, I am so sorry for the horse and the family that loved him.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 1:05 PM Cornfusion Part 1 wrote ...

Alright, if evryone would like to crawl down off their tree stand for a moment I would like to apologize for giving people the impression that I think hunters are some kind of kill mongors. They are not! My grandfather hunted and told me all kinds of stories and it was one of my greatest childhood regrets that he was too old to take me out and teach me how to be a responsible hunter. I understand the need for hunters. I think hunters are good! BUT! There is a number, like in any other line of...

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 12:40 PM StarChamber wrote ...

My comments on this page were meant as a sincere expression of sympathy to the Satoski family. As a lifelong animal lover and donator to animal causes I made the comments with deep pain in my heart over this cruel act. I tried to convey my disgust with the state of the modern world, the sociopaths among us and the non-punishment by the Courts that allows this to continue and get worse. And abortion has much to do with the disrespect for life and cruelty prevalent in today's world. Peace!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 12:37 PM RE: 9:48 Anon wrote ...

I have to agree. If guns were less available there would be less crime. If only smart people could have them there would be a lot fewer 'accidents' and murders. This is murder. And this has nothing to do with abortion folks! This is a living, breathing, existing creature, not a little clump of cells that can't survive outside the womb, doesn't have a heart beat, etc. Focus on the problem at hand...and gee, what a great example FOR abortion! This is one person that shouldn't have been born!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 12:22 PM MLE wrote ...

Words absolutely fail me...where can I contribute to the reward ?

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 12:16 PM Wow wrote ...

My heart does go out to the family, I would be devastated if that happened to our horse. But the postings - WOW have spelling, grammar and proper word usage gone totally out the window? There vs. their, are vs. our, to, too and two... do and due... YIKES!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:53 AM Sad Mom wrote ...

I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful horse Ben was!! My heart goes out to you and your family, and I pray that they catch the evil coward who did this horrible thing. I can only imagine your pain. Be strong, and hopefully justice will prevail.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...

A drunk driver who kills a family of five would get more sympathy (if any) from me than someone who would do this. They will find the person because they must be a real idiot.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:24 AM Sue Satoski wrote ...

To Cornfusion and Starchamber... We are a God loving Christian family and we are emphatically against abortion!!! That however does not minimize the grief that my family and I feel at the loss of our family member!!! Let me also make something clear!! This was no self respecting hunter!!! I come from a family of animal lovers and of hunters!!! THERE IS a world of difference between the evil person that could look our sweet Ben in the eyes and shoot him point blank and a hunter!!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 10:42 AM Gab wrote ...

I think that this is one the worst things I have ever heard. I breaks my heart when I think about someone comitting this act. This animal was apart of their family. I hope who ever did this gets caught and justice is served. To the family of Ben, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 10:24 AM Maureen wrote ...

My heart was breaking as I read this story - my prayers go out to your family for the loss of your beloved pet. Usually if there is a history of violence toward animals it's only a matter of time before the violence is turned toward humans. This sick cowardly jerk needs to be found with a bullet between their eyes. When my grandfather was a police officier in the good ol days that's how the would usually find their suspect - DEAD with a "self inflicted gun shot wound" if you know what I mean...

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 9:45 AM Anonymous wrote ...

the person that did this needs to have the same done to them! tired of giving human beings an excuse. people need to pay for what they do no matter what "caused" them to do it. it isnt everyone elses fault. we need to stop wasting time and money on trying to find out what makes people do what they do. it really isnt hard to be a decent person in society no matter what your problems are. eye for an eye and we will all be better off!!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 9:26 AM what the *&%$ wrote ...

What is wrong with people there are just too many nuts out there. We outta just take these people and get rid of them the way they used to. Who cares about their rights they apparently didnt care about this poor horses. I just hope that poor horse didnt suffer long. i think the one responsible needs a bullet between their eyes.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 9:23 AM Pavi wrote ...

To Anonymous 9:48 Take your anti gun retoric and stick it where the sun don't shine. This is a people issue not a gun issue. Whoever did this deserves street justice.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 9:14 AM Anonymous wrote ...

The hunters I know are thugs. So, waddya gonna do?

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:47 AM ANIMAL LOVER wrote ...

how anyone could do this to a animal is beyond words.I feel sick that anyone should have to find their pet in that way.This now has to be carried on the minds of the children and themselves durning these hard times and the hoilday's.Who ever did this has no heart to do such a careless act.My thoughts and prayers are with this family .

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:42 AM ilovemyhorse wrote ...

What kinda sick person does this? I hope they find you and you are punished...and please put the face of the person/persons that committed this sick act on every news channel so we can all get a good look at the cowardly sick person...Is there a reward? We should get together and donate money to start a reward up...money talks(especially in these times) My heart is racing..i wish I could have this person for a few minutes alone!My prayers to the family.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:32 AM In God We Trust wrote ...

~I feel for you,It's like a peace from your HEART has been taken.. It's like you cant believe this has really happen espeacially to a precious (HORSE) GODS CREATURE.Did you have insurance on this horse? or was this animal sick with some kind of illness?Theres alot to look at.I will pray for you and your family put this in GODS hand and he will seek you through I just love animals this was way past cruel a horse is BEAUTIFUL specie

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:27 AM cm wrote ...

Sad that people can be so evil. The worst part of this story is the pain and suffering this horse had to experience. What goes around comes around and I hope we find this to be true in this case.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:21 AM SB wrote ...

Deliberate or not, it is still sick. The animal was innocent.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:20 AM DEB wrote ...

“I've often said there's nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.” quote from Ronald Reagan

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:06 AM dianne wrote ...

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to this family. I cried when I seen this on the news. That's just terrible. I hope this heartless monster gets caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Please if you know who did this, do the right thing and call authorities.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 8:04 AM Debbie wrote ...

My heart goes out to the family. I cannot imagine. What is wrong with people??

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 7:57 AM you are scared wrote ...

To 9:48 Anonymous: Shut up Osama Obama.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 7:15 AM renee wrote ...

this makes me sick, i love horses I dont believe this was an accident if so it would have been shot somewhere else on the body not between the eyes that was deliberate, and I hope they find the person or persons and punish them to the fullest, My thoughts and prayers to the family on your loss, there beautiful horses you have there

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 7:15 AM Another Hunter esq wrote ...

Hey Cornbrain the story already established it wasn't an accident so don't blame hunters. You're lucky hunters are out there controlling the overpopulation of deer or you'd be hitting a lot more of them on the road. Do you know deer hunters in Indiana harvested 124,427 deer in 2007? They didn't kill horses you idiot.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 7:05 AM Sickened wrote ...

As a fellow horse lover & owner, this makes me ill. How can human beings be so cruel? My prayers are with this family in their loss of beloved Ben.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 6:02 AM Mad Dog wrote ...

Whoever did this is one sick individual.Scum like this needs to be eliminated before they strike again.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:12 AM Bubba wrote ...

I agree with Lp hunter that from what I am hearing that this was diliberate. I also am very disappointed with you Cornfusion. To even suggest that a hunter could do this is obsured. I also hunt in the Laporte area and I know of no person that would even think of something like you suggest. That is why there is a very good gun range in Kingsbury FWA. I normally get a laugh or 2 from your posts, but you stepped over a line this time. Please be carefull with your comments! Hunters do care!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 2:41 AM Horse Owner wrote ...

Every once in a while I hear of something like this. It always shocks me that a human can be so depraved. I'm sorry for your loss. I know the peace a few minutes with my horses can bring. Even the ritual of mucking a stall can be calming. I think it was Roosevelt who said "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man" Truer words are seldom said. I wish you the best.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 12:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

worth more at the sale barn alive . some amish kid could have rode ben to town . by ya some horse got killed what about all the babys that are killed every dad as there mom and dad dont want then. they just wanted to have 5 min of socalled fun ! err

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 10:51 PM LP hunter wrote ...

Anybody that thinks this was a hunter is out of their mind. Cornfusion, you especially. Hunters are the leaders in conservation and preserving grounds. We have a bad enough rep as it is.From what Im hearing in town, this was no accident.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 10:50 PM Samantha wrote ...

Hang 'em high - whomever this horse "thief" is... (Thief stole companionship this horse offered. My sympathy!)

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 10:47 PM LaPorteHunter wrote ...

Despite what all the "Anti's" think, hunters are the leaders in conservation and preserving grounds.I feel horrible for the family, being I came from a racing horse background. Im commenting on this to say, that this was NOT A HUNTER "FOOLING" AROUND, OR THINKING IT WAS A DEER! C'mon, right between the eyes, and from the rumors Im hearing, it wasnt a accident. Hunter's have a bad rep as it is, and Im just trying to say,that this isnt the case.Dont throw us hunters in here. As this was planned

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 10:24 PM Sue - Ben's Mom wrote ...

I just want to say thank you for all the thoughts and prayers that everyone has sent our way. Ben was so beloved by all who met him. My husband, children and I greatly appreciate the support everyone has shown. Please keep us in your prayers and pray that justice is swift and stern. Thank you and God Bless all of you. Sue Satoski

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:51 PM Umm... StarChamber? wrote ...

What does abortion have to do with this poor horse being killed? You are SO lucky that you live above the "sick, faltering, regressive Society" that the rest of us live in. Fool.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

okay...people should be allowed to own guns because?

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:38 PM This is so sad wrote ...

people dont think that is someones pet or even the though behind that this could have even been a child pet. I feal so sorry for the family loosing there pet. Karma will come to who killed this animal. this animal didnt do any thing to them I hope the police get them and the judge make them pay for what they did but this wont bring this family back there pet.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:34 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Tragic in more ways than one. I would venture a guess that this was not planned, quite possible a hunter who was having poor luck and just fooling around. Took aim and either squeezed harder than they realized or just wanted to see if they could hit what they were aiming at. The MOST tragic part of this is the lack of respect it exemplifies for life today. Video games promote "kills" on screen and kids see so much of it they begin to lose their sense of reality. It's just where the world's going

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 9:32 PM Anonymous wrote ...

That takes guts. People have no attachment to anything now adays. NO RESPECT for other people. I am sad for your loss, that is terrible. They are beautiful graceful animals. Its sad that the world in a whole has come to this. I am sure they will get caught, it has to be punk kids and they brag in time.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 8:42 PM SB wrote ...

I am so sorry for this family! My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope justice will prevail. May God comfort you and your family during this time.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 8:07 PM me wrote ...

how sad.....i hope they hang the POS when they catch em...

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:42 PM StarChamber wrote ...

A beloved horse named Ben. 35,000,000 babies, known only to God, murdered in the womb. Millions more victims of all manner of crimes and violence. Cruel, demonic, twisted perpetrators. Gutless, impotent, cowardly judicial stewards unwilling to punish. One sick, faltering, regressive Society.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:35 PM Karen wrote ...

I am so sorry for your loss. M grandaughter is a horserider/lover. I'm especially sorry your children had to experience this.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What a sick crime, SICK! Whoever did this is obviously capable of the unthinkable. We must hope they get caught before they move up to the next level.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:30 PM Diane wrote ...

It pains me to think that there are human beings out there who are so heartless. What would keep a sick-o like this from doing the same thing to a defenseless child? Far as I'm concerned, there is no difference here. That animal was loved, part of a family of not only humans, but other horses and animals at this residence. I'm sorry for the loss to these folks, and I hope when they catch whoever did this, they get the maximum sentence allowed.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:29 PM Lisa wrote ...

OMG...this literally is breaking my heart. I can't stop the tears. Who would do such a horrible act? I hope they find them and shoot them between their eyes. My prayers to this family. As an animal lover, I feel your pain.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7:12 PM Christine wrote ...

Very sad, I hope the people responsible are brought to justice (a bullet between the eyes would save taxpayers money.)I will be bringing my horses in at night.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 6:59 PM Shelby wrote ...

This is sick. To shoot a docile horse between the eyes is a cowardly and spineless. This is an act of a sick sick individual. My condolences.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 6:54 PM To the Family wrote ...

Ben looked like an amazing creature. I am sorry for your loss. Animals are members of a family, too. I hope you can find peace. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they found the sick individual that could do this to an animal.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 6:14 PM SAD wrote ...

I sure hope they find who did this!! How can people be so cruel?!! I'm truly sorry for your loss. I have animals and I would be very sad if someone did this to my animals!!

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:58 PM Terrible. wrote ...

Terrible! When The Lord stated"Though Shall Not Kill" it meant to not kill anything in vain, or without a purpose. So really the only justified reasons for killing are War, Self Defense, and for Food. But this is just plain Evil. Our prayers go out for this family. Hopefully, being that there's fresh snow, some footprints & tire tracks can help. I'd bet there's a shell casing near. If none of these exist, then I'd check for deer stands nearby. Godspeed.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...

i hope they catch this scum and lock him up for a long time......

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:54 PM Hope wrote ...

Im so sorry to here about their loss! People can be so curel! I hope they catch this person and have them look these people in the eyes a tell them why and then pay for what they have done! God pray for them!

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:48 PM Concerned Citizen wrote ...

That is just horrible. My sympathies to the entire family.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:43 PM I mean it, but don't! wrote ...

I'd like to spend 5 minutes with the person responsible for this....no charges filed....but then I realize, that thought is simply part of the problem: parents who are not doing their part intheir children's lives....with exceptions, no responsible parent, who is involved with their child, would ever see their child do somthing like this! Parents are the answer....dom't become on if you can't be one!

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:43 PM Linda wrote ...

My heart goes out to this family. What in the world is wrong with people, they have no heart for any thing. My prayers are with you all. God Bless You.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:42 PM jf wrote ...

I am completely sickened by this.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:41 PM Karen Witkowski wrote ...

I feel very bad for this family that lost this beautiful animal. How come a person in his right mind do such a horrible thing? Please, all would be shooters of horses, have pity on this lovable animals that do no harm to anyone. They are extremely tame and they retun love to their owners. Horses stables should be cleaned up every day to prevent worms and the rats and mice that always makes a home in this stable is pathetic. One wonder how many of this rodents live there. The owls gets them a few

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:39 PM joe wrote ...

to bad our laws won't allow us to do the same to the shooter if they are caught. sorry about your loss.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:34 PM We the people wrote ...

Please pray for this family, the other horses, and for the shooter. Why would someone do this?

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:33 PM Dave Goshen wrote ...

What a sad story. You just wonder, what is wrong with someone, who would do this to a inocent animal? It's worse than the things we have to deal with everyday with humans shooting each other.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:33 PM Phyllis Bobelenyi wrote ...

If a person can do this to a horse like this they can do it to a person also. This family needs to do a little thinking and they probably know the person who did this. I belive that it would be a young person in teens to early twenties. I hope they find him. He is a cowardly bully who probably has been bullied as a child with no one stopping it.

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