Spruce Grove and Stony Plain RCMP have arrested and charged two teenaged boys, after officers were called to an incident where a number of livestock animals were found shot back in June.
Investigators announced Friday that two boys, aged 18 and 15-years-old faced a total of 28 charges, including counts of killing or injuring cattle, careless use of a firearm and mischief.
In addition, two long-barreled shotguns were seized.
“We were able to interview a couple of people of interest,” Insp. Gary Graham said. “We were able to interview them and subsequently both individuals were officially charged today.”
The charges were laid in connection to an investigation that started in June, 2012, when RCMP said officers received three calls on June 20, 2012, complaining that their livestock had been shot.
Investigators found a horse, a calf, and four cows in total suffering from gunshot wounds – and while two of the cows eventually recovered, the rest died.
CTV News covered the shocking deaths when residents reported the shootings in June.
Wade Thordarson said the calf and a cow shot in the incidents belonged to his 13-year-old daughter, who had owned the cattle for a year as part of a 4H project.
On Friday, CTV News learned the older boy facing charges is Julian Bliss.
Thordarson said Bliss and his family live near his home – and he has met the young man.
“I was hoping it wouldn’t be anyone from the area,” Thordarson said. “[I’m] quite surprised to know them, and that they’re from the area.
“That’s very disturbing.”
Bliss will appear in court in Stony Plain on March 27, the younger boy has been scheduled to appear in court on March 15.
With files from David Ewasuk
