Teenage Suspect Faces Possible Adult Charges In Las Vegas Horse Stabbing Case
on Jun 02, 2026
Mutiple Horses Stabbed In Las Vegas, Nevada
On Saturday (May 30), the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of a horse being stabbed in the equestrian barns at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, where animals were being housed for the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) Supershow.
When officers arrived, they found three horses that had sustained injuries caused by a “sharp object,” according to a police press release. An investigation later identified a teenage girl as a suspect; authorities believe she may have used a knife to inflict multiple wounds on the animals.
The unnamed teenage female was taken into custody at a nearby hotel and later booked into the Clark County Juvenile Hall. According to police, she is facing 12 counts of willful or malicious killing, maiming, or torturing an animal, along with three felony counts of malicious destruction of private property valued at more than $5,000.
Police said the injuries to the horses were not life-threatening but that they were expected to prevent the horses from partaking in the competition.
Click below for more information on a teen arrested for injuring three horses. pic.twitter.com/CUdP8iMbTJ
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) May 31, 2026
RELATED: Owners Provide Update On Horses Injured In Las Vegas Barrel Racing Stabbing
Teenage Girl To Face Possible Adult Charges
After reviewing the allegations, the severity of the offenses, and the circumstances surrounding the case, the district attorney’s office determined that pursuing certification to transfer the matter to adult court was appropriate.
“These allegations involve deliberate acts of extreme cruelty against defenseless animals and have had a significant impact on the victims, the owners, and the broader equestrian community,” Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said.
Wolfson continued, reiterating that “animal abuse cases are taken extremely seriously” by the Clark County office.
“Nevada law allows certain juvenile offenders to be prosecuted as adults when warranted by the seriousness of the conduct. We believe this case meets that standard.”
Learn how you can donate to help support the injured horses below.
Check back for further updates on this case as more information becomes available.
