Police: Arrests made in shooting death of LaPorte horse

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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

Story Created: Dec 4, 2008 at 1:06 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 4, 2008 at 1:09 PM EST

LAPORTE — Police have arrested two suspects in the shooting death of a LaPorte family’s horse, according to a press release from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.

Ben, a Belgian draft horse who was often used to pull wagon rides around the area, was found dead on the Satoski family farm the morning of Nov. 16 from an apparent gunshot wound between the eyes.

Brian Satoski was going out to feed the family’s five horses when he discovered the horse in the grass about 20 feet from the road.

Police are holding a press conference on Friday at 1 p.m. CST to announce and provide details of the arrests. Brian and Sue Satoski will be present at the press conference, according to the release.

The Humane Society of the United States had announced a reward for information leading to a conviction in the case. The Satoski family had also offered an award, and donations poured in from the public.

We will have a crew at the press conference Friday and will bring you the latest information on the case as soon as it becomes available.

Monday, Dec 8 at 8:23 AM Anonymous wrote ...

After reading so many of these comments...I've come to realize we live in a society filled with hate, brutality, and total dysfunction. In order to prevent acts of cruelty, compassion and empathy must be taught. To prevent a person from committing the same act twice, the person must be taught to feel empathy for another life! As for sending criminals into the military...the military is an honorable service not to be dishonored by sending those without honor to represent our country.

Saturday, Dec 6 at 3:13 PM liteman_58_2000@yahoo.com wrote ...

hang em high

Saturday, Dec 6 at 3:08 PM soccermom wrote ...

I' am so sorry.I hope they get the maximum sentence.My heart goes to the family.

Saturday, Dec 6 at 12:05 PM looking4abountyhunter wrote ...

anybody a bounty hunter?

Saturday, Dec 6 at 11:58 AM Anonymous wrote ...

A LIFE IS A LIFE..

Saturday, Dec 6 at 9:08 AM what is wrong with our society? wrote ...

To you who say it is just an animal should be shot yourselves. What kind of cold hearted idiots with no brains would hurt a beautiful horse. Take some more drugs and fry your pathetic brains somemore losers!!!YOU MAKE ME SICK AND GOD SICK TOOO!!!

Friday, Dec 5 at 8:19 PM who cares? wrote ...

it is an animal. Not a person. no one cares Let's have a big meal

Friday, Dec 5 at 7:49 PM B-RAD wrote ...

The sad thing is most of you would have them do more time than murders and rapist. Good thing you aren't all judges. Now go back to complaining about everything and do nothing about anything, fat americans

Friday, Dec 5 at 5:53 PM Pumpkin Pie wrote ...

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy to the Satowski family for your loss. I grew up with Horses and my heart is in a 1,000 pieces for you. My beloved father died on a horse and no one can walk in another's shoes. If only I could ease your pain..., At least, they do have the people who committed this unacceptable act. Take care and again, I am so sorry.

Friday, Dec 5 at 3:58 PM vetrean wrote ...

I like how some say send them to the front lines... you are discrediting our military as if we are all in prison. Now that I think about it maybe we are, but its your freedom in which we are inprisoned for.... not our actions!

Friday, Dec 5 at 3:31 PM me wrote ...

I'ts 3:30...where is the update????? who r the morons that did this?

Friday, Dec 5 at 3:27 PM Very Anonymous, indeed wrote ...

Dear Dave Goshen (if thats even your name!), just because you used your name doesnt somehow make your post any less pointless than all the other off topic ones. In fact yours is worse because it's hypocritcal. If you wish to discuss the relevance of posts, please do so elsewhere and allow us horse lovers to mourn the loss of this fine beast and discuss suitable punishment for the perprators. Hat wearer.

Friday, Dec 5 at 2:59 PM Dave Goshen wrote ...

I'm getting a little tired of anonymous posting. It is not in the public interest to allow space on a site that doesn't have guidelines. It takes up time for everyone involved to sift through the off topic and nasty comments. The community will be better served with on message posts.

Friday, Dec 5 at 12:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Same thing happened to me "9:59 AM The GENUINE Cornfusion" awhile back on here so I just use Anonymous. I suggest that to everyone. Maybe WSBT should make people sign on to post so they can tie the post with an email at least. Now they can only tie the post with an IP address.

Friday, Dec 5 at 12:31 PM Debbie wrote ...

I wonder if these same "criminals" are the ones who shot several cattle earlier this year out by Union Mills? Justice will be served.

Friday, Dec 5 at 11:47 AM Carolyn wrote ...

One bleeding heart wants to know WHY they did it. I don't care why-only that they DID do the dirty deed. Those people going on about how it is only an animal, etc., should realize that hurting animals is often the first stop on the road to hurting/killing humans. I am inclined to agree with 'Marshall Dillion'. One nitwit wanted them to work with animals. That is like having a child molester work in a day care. I like the idea of sending them to Iraq except for the real soldiers.

Friday, Dec 5 at 11:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Bill zip it. This has nothing to do with children. Jail time to make them think about it, then I would make these idiots clean horse barns and do farm work for years for free. inquiring minds wanna know, who did it??????

Friday, Dec 5 at 10:58 AM Vickie Condinho wrote ...

I don't know why people can't mind their own business and leave others alone. Stay home and read, or watch a movie or better yet just lock yourself inside. Some people need to be put away from the rest of the public.

Friday, Dec 5 at 10:45 AM Anonymous wrote ...

the horse wut was its name mr ed

Friday, Dec 5 at 9:59 AM The GENUINE Cornfusion wrote ...

Well, 'Well' at 7:39, 2 things. #1 That was cornIfusion that submitted the comment, someone that is either trying to flatter me by imitation or discredit me, which would be a waste of time since I have no credit to dis! Either way it matters not because, #2, I've started submitting half of what I write under another catchy little title I like to call, 'Anonymous'! I call it that teaspoon of sugar to help the medicine go down. Either way, enough folks have convinced me to continue submitting.

Friday, Dec 5 at 9:35 AM Anonymous wrote ...

It is hATE THAT BREEDS HATE. HAS ANYONE CONSIDERED WHY THESE INDIVIDUALS COMMITTED THIS ACT. It may be time to teach these individuals how to have compassion for animals rather than showing them more hate. They committed an awful act to an innocent animal and Ben needs to be remembered for his gentleness and kindness by having these two individuals work with a rescue organization. These two individuals need to be taught that animals have a value in our lives that goes beyond monetary.

Friday, Dec 5 at 8:17 AM Barb wrote ...

Death to the idiots who did this. I think public castration would be a good start....then while bleeding profusely, clean a stall full of fresh horse crap, finish off with the locally televised linching of the jerks. If it would have been MY horse they shot, no need for a press conference, they'd be dead already. Same goes for if it had been my child. Or anyones child for that matter. Just change cleaning a stall, to cleaning a bathroom or something like that. These killers deserve death.

Friday, Dec 5 at 7:39 AM Well... wrote ...

Cornfusion, I would'nt be a bit surprised...she does kind of remind me of a horse.....=P

Friday, Dec 5 at 7:32 AM Country boy wrote ...

I grew up with horses. Don't put them in prison and cost us money. Give them the option. Court ordered front line duty in the war. Their pay is givin up to pay for the horse and all costs in finding their dumd butts. When they get out they still have community service cleaning up along the highway in a horse costume and can never own a gun. Or they can spend 20 years in jail.

Friday, Dec 5 at 7:14 AM old soldier wrote ...

send the guilty ones to iraq. let them shoot at something that shoots back. lets see how brave the cowards are when the weapon is pointed at them. i bet they would cry like a baby with a wet diaper. i say let their jail be a barn full of horses and they have to feed, bath and clean the stalls for the horses everyday.

Friday, Dec 5 at 6:09 AM Marshall Dillon wrote ...

Two horses, a tree and two short ropes...

Friday, Dec 5 at 6:04 AM Jon Mauk wrote ...

I love animals, but be it a horse, goat, or pig, it's still a animal with a owners value to be determined by our legal system. You that call for the death of a human that kills a animal are way far out there and should rethink your stance in a realistic way. No animal is worth the life of a human life no matter how wrong, bad, or even evil their deeds and actions. Let the court place a $$ value on the animal and hopefully sentence them to some time if the law allows. Stupidity is not illegal.

Friday, Dec 5 at 5:18 AM Wild Card wrote ...

Ok, who did it? Why is this story no updated?

Friday, Dec 5 at 12:33 AM ED wrote ...

i WONDER IF THESE TWO HAD ANYTHING TO DO WUTH THE DEATH OF THE OTHER HORSE

Thursday, Dec 4 at 11:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

They probably called the horse over to them premeditated then shot it jerks make them clean horse crap out of stalls the rest of their life withthe only food being peanut butter sand. and milk why should we pay to feed them good food let them sleep in a cold barn or something and if they try to get away shoot they for running away waste of skin and oxygen and just take that man out who killed his lil girl and shoot him there I can not stand people who kill things espically innocent things

Thursday, Dec 4 at 9:39 PM to weston wrote ...

Um, weston... We have a dead horse and 2 people in jail. Remind me not to come to any of your christmas parties, ok?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 9:38 PM Cornifusion wrote ...

Will the Snyders be at the Press Conference?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 9:15 PM Sara wrote ...

Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Satoski family. I'm very glad they caught the menaces to society that would even think of doing this.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 8:22 PM you gotta be kidding me wrote ...

Ya know people...yes its sad that a horse got shot. But I have to agree with some of the comments. How would you feel if a friend or family member of yours was killed and this horse takes the page of the newspaper and Press Conference instead of them trying to find the murderer of your loved one. OMG you people and WSBT KILL ME!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 6:44 PM Dillweed wrote ...

Wow In media world, Animals seem much more important than humans.... I do love horses, grew up on the farm, but a press conference for a dead horse? Shocks me how upside down this world is... Wonder if the little girl that was beaten to death will get a press conference?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 6:42 PM CryForAmerica wrote ...

I am so glad that they apparently have the perpetrators. Now punishment, real earnest punishment! To anonymous5:28. I understand your frustration. WSBT and WNDU are both guilty of non-posting of comments to articles. I don't know if it's because they are super-sensitive to being politically correct or if their employees are pushing personal agendas or the agenda of the out-of-state station owners. It's very unfair and un-American...freedom of speech and expression and all that rot, you know.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 6:29 PM weston wrote ...

xmas came early !!Iam so happy they caught these people .Hope there room mates in prison are alot like horses if ya know what i mean lol.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 5:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey WSBT. It's quite frustrating to spend the time reading your articles, and for some reason, you not allowing them on the chat board. They are quite intelligent, very truthful, and in no way offensive. But, if you refrain from allowing them, then it's just a waste of time, which I no longer need to do. And with some of the rediculous & moronic comments I see you allow, it is even more frustrating. Good day!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 5:17 PM roomy wrote ...

Now,stick the guilty in a glue factory or dog food factory.......

Thursday, Dec 4 at 5:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

First it's a horse, then maybe a dog, perhaps that won't satisfy them and it will be a small child. Let's finish this business now!!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 5:06 PM Sad Sack wrote ...

Now I am really sad about this story because there are a lot of space cybers that want to get their opinion on this precious horse and they cannot do it because they think there is a rackol around who are tripping people from somewhere. This beloved horse was killed for no reason at all. I am so glad that lots readers found out that the killer was on the loose and tipped to the animal protection agency and got him. If you cant get your opinion on any blog how are they gona find out who the creep

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:26 PM Bill wrote ...

Wow! So much hate and anger over a dead horse. I wonder if these people feel the same outrage over the killing of pre-born children.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:22 PM What!!! wrote ...

A PRESS CONFRENCE?? FOR REAL??? They don't do this for precious human lives!!! You have got to be kidding me! I understand its a horse and believe me I love horses...But a Press Confernece? Gees!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:13 PM Dave Goshen wrote ...

Good news. Now don't let the justice system fail. Citizen pressure had alot to do with this outcome, don't let up, when they go on trial. Demand an appopriate sentance.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 4:01 PM strongonelv wrote ...

who ever done this to that horse better hope to god that the judge isn't a horse lover. I HOPE TO GOD HE OR SHE IS i'm happy the police may have these guttless sob's.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 3:20 PM Animal Lover wrote ...

I say, "An eye for an eye" - give them the same torture as they put this poor helpless horse through!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 3:17 PM Justice wrote ...

As far as I'm concern, the people who did this planned this. what i want to see done to these losers the law wont allow it to be done to graphic.so instead of jail time. I believe the the people who are responsible for this should be hog tide and put in a stable full of wild horses and get there punishment they deserve

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:50 PM Linda wrote ...

I am so glad they caught these two turds, why don't they flush them down the toliet.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:40 PM Randy wrote ...

Clearly the community is upset and want justice served for this crime. Whoever did this is a killer. These people have no place in society. Lock them up and throw away the key.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:39 PM rj stark wrote ...

The freaks that did this need a one way ticket to Iraq.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

They use to shoot horse theives...I'm just saying

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:17 PM Watervliet Guy wrote ...

Wow, this crime did not take too long to solve! I am glad that the police department wasn't horsing around--now if they could solve all of the crimes, robberies, murders and rapes, we will be much safer!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 2:13 PM Corey wrote ...

You have never seen a press conference someone shot around here? Are you living in a cave?

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:47 PM Bobbie wrote ...

GREAT NEWS! Throw away the key.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:37 PM ME wrote ...

LOCK EM UP AND THROW AWAY THE KEY!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

A press conference?! For crying out loud, it was a horse. It was wrong to have shot it but I have never seen police department have a press conference for any person killed around here.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:22 PM CC wrote ...

Thank you to all involved in bringing justice to Ben. As a fellow horse lover I was sickened when I read this story. Read the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette for a story about another horse that was shot. Hopefully that family will also receive closure.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:22 PM Rick wrote ...

I am glad they caught these 2 turds. I hope the judge gives them the max.

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:20 PM Stick wrote ...

I sure hope that those who were arrested (if proven guitly) get at LEAST 5 years in prison! Restitution will be collected and 2000 hours of community service at the Humane Society of Laporte county. This is an outrageous crime like a crime against the elderly and children. If this is not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law..it will be a travesty of justice. NO SLAP ON THE WRIST FOR THIS CRIME..YOU DEGENERATE IDIOTS!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:12 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Well here come their "15 minutes of shameful fame". If they indeed did this intentionally no amount of embarrassment would be sufficient. They should do time, and plenty of it!

Thursday, Dec 4 at 1:12 PM Nicole wrote ...

People are so sick they need to die fo rthis

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