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An award-winning equestrian and recently crowned “Horseman of the Year” has been arrested for allegedly attempting to shoot his own son and fatally wounding a horse.
John Victor Russel, the award-winning equestrian now faces charges of felony animal cruelty causing the death of an animal and assault on a person with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill. (Photo: People)
Award-Winning Equestrian Allegedly Shoots Son
The incident unfolded just weeks after John Victor Russell, a 75-year-old award-winning equestrian received the prestigious accolade at the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame.
Local station WYFF-4 reported that deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call last Wednesday regarding a confrontation involving gunfire.
According to a published article, law enforcement discovered multiple individuals at the scene ultimately revealing that an altercation had taken place between the award-winning equestrian and his unidentified son culminating in gunfire.
According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokesman John J. Sauve, the award-winning equestrian allegedly fired his weapon at his son while he was on horseback, New York Times reported.
Fortunately, the son managed to escape unharmed but tragically, the horse sustained a gunshot wound and had to be euthanized.
Award-Winning Equestrian Faces Charges
The award-winning equestrian now faces charges of felony animal cruelty causing the death of an animal and assault on a person with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill.
After posting a $90,000 bond, Russell’s attorney, Jennifer Labbe, informed The New York Times that her client intends to plead not guilty at his upcoming court hearing on July 19.
Labbe expressed her belief that the incident was a tragic accident, stating, “I have known Vick Russell for many years, and he loves his children and horses.” She added, “The gun could have accidentally gone off.”
Suzanne Feagan, the former wife of Russell’s son, was present during the incident and recounted the commotion that unfolded. “I walked out of the barn and saw Vick pull up in his truck, and he had a gun,” Feagan revealed.
She described the award-winning equestrian as “a father who we’ve all loved and revered for so long,” but noted that his health had declined with age. When approached for comment, Russell’s son declined to provide a statement.
In 2021, the Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina, recognized the award-winning equestrian for his significant contributions to the local equestrian community.
An article featured by the center titled “Say hello to Vick Russell, our first Local Legends feature” celebrated the Russell family’s impact on equestrian sports in the area.
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