Stolen horse found ‘dripping sweat and shaking uncontrollably’ dies; man taken into custody

Traveon Hillsman, 21 (Brookshire PD)

BROOKSHIRE, Texas – A man wanted for animal abuse is in custody following the death of a horse in Brookshire.

The Brookshire Police Department arrested Traveon Marques Hillsman, 21, at a residence in Austin county in connection with that horse’s death.

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Police said they received a call for animal cruelty around 7:15 p.m. Monday in the area. One eye witness told police they saw a man – later identified as Hillsman -- beating a horse with a lead rope, punching it in the face and mouth and yelling obscenities at the animal, authorities said.

When police arrived, Hillsman has fled the scene, authorities said. The horse, which turned out to be stolen, was extremely exhausted, shaking uncontrollably and dripping sweat, police said.

According to police, the horse collapsed and stopped breathing shortly after it was found.

Police identified Hillsman as a suspect and he was taken into custody on four charges, including cruelty to livestock, theft of livestock, burglary of a building and evading arrest.


About the Author

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.

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