COLLIER COUNTY, Fla — The Collier County Sheriff's Office believes a man arrested for killing a house in Palmetto may be connected to two horses' deaths earlier this year.
Investigators say those horses were found slaughtered in pastures in the eastern part of the county.
They are investigating if the Collier cases were connected to the theft and slaughter of a horse in Palmetto on Dec. 1, 2019.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says 50-year-old Eladio Garcia Gasca was arrested last week on grand theft and animal cruelty charges.
Investigators were able to use surveillance video and other investigative means to link Garcia Gasca to the crime.
MCSO says Garcia Gasca is charged with entering the victim's property through the locked gate and stealing her horse.
They say the horse was later found in a nearby field deceased and slaughtered for the meat.
If you have seen Garcia Gasca in Collier County, contact the Sheriff's Office at 239-252-9300. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
