Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR) Law Enforcement Division said Monday that it’s actively investigating the illegal killing of the buck referred to as the “Hollywood buck.”
The buck was well-known for frequenting Hollywood Cemetery in Oregon Hill. Admirers say the local deer had distinctive, 29-point antlers -- the result of a rare genetic mutation.
The Department now says it has identified a suspect in the buck’s killing. The suspect reportedly sent photos of himself with the deer to a hunting Facebook page, claiming he killed the animal in Prince Edward County.
“The primary suspect sent photos of himself with the nontypical 29-point buck to a Facebook page, claiming to have killed the buck in Prince Edward County, Virginia, with a muzzleloader,” DWF said in a statement.
Charges are pending as the investigation continues. DWR says officers have contacted the suspect and determined that the deer was killed illegally. DWR Law Enforcement says it’s working to identify others who may have been involved or have relevant information.
“The illegal killing of the ‘Hollywood Cemetery buck’ is a serious violation of Virginia’s wildlife laws and will be a priority for the Conservation Police Officers assigned to the investigation until all leads have been exhausted, all evidence has been collected, and those involved have been charged,” said Major Ryan Shuler, the Deputy Chief of DWR Law Enforcement.
