A well-known horse trainer from North Carolina is now facing criminal charges after accidentally shooting and killing a horse during a heated argument with his son.
John Victor Russell, 75, allegedly fired a gun at his son during their dispute but ended up striking a horse that the son was riding. The horse, identified as Franklin’s Tower, a renowned Grand Prix jumper, had to be euthanized due to its injuries, while the son, fortunately, escaped unharmed.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the local community where Russell, commonly known as Vick, resides. Recently featured on the website of the Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina, Russell and his family have garnered a beloved reputation and are considered “local legends.” The news of this incident has left neighbors and acquaintances heartbroken and stunned.
Suzanne Feagan, the son’s former wife, expressed her devastation and disbelief in an interview with the New York Times, stating, “It’s just heartbreaking… The whole family is shocked. Obviously angry. Never would we have seen this coming. He must be in a horrible mental state to have done that.”
Upon arriving at the scene, the police were able to establish that Russell and one of his sons had engaged in a heated argument, during which Russell retrieved a firearm and fired at his son while he was on horseback.
Feagan, who witnessed the incident while mowing fields at the farm, described the events, saying, “I walked out of the barn and saw Vick pull up in his truck and he had a gun.” She added that upon hearing “a bunch of shouting and carrying on,” she peered out of a stall and saw Russell shooting at their son.
While Russell has been admired and revered as a beloved father figure within the community for a long time, Feagan acknowledged that he had not been taking good care of himself as he grew older.
The son’s fiancé, Kristen Cox, expressed her partner’s distress and trauma caused by the incident, as well as the family’s concern for Russell’s well-being. Cox emphasized their love and respect for Russell and their desire to ensure he receives the necessary help and support.
Jennifer Labbe, one of Russell’s attorneys, urged people not to rush to judgment, suggesting that the entire incident could have been a tragic accident. Labbe attested to Russell’s deep love for his children and horses and emphasized that the gun may have gone off accidentally.
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Russell, recently honored as “Horseman of the Year” upon his induction into the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame, now faces charges of assault on a person with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill, as well as felony animal cruelty resulting in the death of an animal. He has been released on a $90,000 bond and intends to plead not guilty during his court appearance scheduled for July 19.
