3 face charges in horse's death

Gannett News Service
FRANKLIN

Three people were arrested Friday in connection with the killing of Cutie the horse in Franklinville on Jan. 21.The 9-year-old mare, owned by Jack Ireland of Tuckahoe Road, was fatally shot with a hunting arrow. Mark E. Simmermon, 20, of Laurel Road, Lindenwold; Jason Allen, 18, of Eighth Avenue, Lindenwold; and Kamren C. Johnston, 25, of Fourth Avenue, Lindenwold were were arrested on a variety of charges following an investigation and the execution of search warrants in Franklinville and Lindenwold. All face charges of unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, criminal trespassing and conspiracy. Simmermon and Allen also face two counts each of third-degree cruelty to animals and civil complaints involving cruelty to animals, according to a release from the Franklin Police Department. The two also face seven civil violations of state Fish and Game laws.

They are being held at the Gloucester County Jail on cash bail. Allen's bail was set at $100,000. Simmermon and Johnston were held on $50,000 bail each. According to the press release, physical evidence was recovered at the scene of the horse killing, and an investigation led to enough probable cause to execute warrants for the search of Simmermon's Lindenwold home, his car and his previous Franklinville residence. Police did not disclose Friday what they found in the search.

Some $3,500 in reward money was offered for the arrest and conviction of the horse's killer, including a $1,000 contribution from the United Bowhunters of New Jersey. Police said at least two arrows were fired at the horse.

"The act of this person is not how the archery community really conducts itself," a member of the group told Gannett News Service after the killing. Cutie, valued at $15,000, was one of seven horses owned by Ireland, 51, a trucker who often competes at rodeos. "I raised her from a baby," Ireland said after the killing.