Two men, Jacob Brady and Robert Kelley Jr., have been sentenced to prison time for shooting a horse named Jake in Hanover County last year. Jake, a 19-year-old paint horse, was shot in the face while grazing on his owner’s property on Oct. 17, 2023. Brady was sentenced to 37 years with 12 years to serve, and Kelley was sentenced to 36 years with three years to serve. Jake recovered after undergoing multiple surgeries.
The shooting of Jake led investigators to solve a series of mailbox shootings in the area, resulting in Brady and Kelley being convicted of animal cruelty and vandalism. The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of community collaboration in bringing about successful prosecutions, expressing gratitude for public support and the efforts of law enforcement partners. CBS 6 encouraged community members to share their thoughts on this topic by reaching out to the newsroom via various social media platforms.
The case of Jake’s shooting serves as a reminder of the need for community cooperation in addressing crimes against animals and property. The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the importance of working together to ensure justice is served in such cases. Brady and Kelley’s sentencing reflects the severity of their actions and sends a message about the consequences of harming animals and engaging in vandalism.