Update – reward increased in ongoing Vernon County cattle shooting

From the El Dorado Springs Newsroom

The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office has increased the reward in its ongoing investigation into cattle deaths east of Nevada, according to a recent update released by the sheriff’s office.

The case was first reported in mid-October, when the sheriff’s office announced it was investigating reports of cattle being shot in the Walker area, east of Nevada near U.S. Highway 54. At that time, officials offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

In a new update posted on the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office social media page, authorities announced the reward has now been increased to $15,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Investigators previously stated the cattle appeared to have been shot with a small-caliber weapon. Sheriff Buehler said evidence has been recovered, but the investigation remains ongoing, and limited details can be released at this time.

“I will not tolerate this,” Buehler said in an earlier statement. “We are a rural community, and farms and ranches sustain the life and livelihood of a good portion of the population in Vernon County. I will not leave any stone unturned.”

The sheriff’s office continues to ask for the public’s assistance, emphasizing that even seemingly minor information could be critical to solving the case. Tips may be submitted anonymously by contacting Vernon County Dispatch at 417-667-6042 or through the sheriff’s office website.

Authorities encourage residents to share the information as the investigation continues.