A man is facing multiple charges for an alleged bow-wielding killing spree after the carcasses of nine deer were found scattered across Cody, Wyoming.Â
Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, 20, turned himself in after fleeing following a foot chase with Wyoming game wardens on patrol in the Park County area.
Weilhouwer is facing 18 counts of trophy animal hunting charges – nine counts of unlicensed taking of a big game animal and nine counts of wanton destruction of big game.Â
He was chased on foot by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department game warden, Spencer Carstens, who spotted the suspect carrying a compound bow.Â
Court documents said that two bucks, six does and a fawn were killed and found with hunting arrow wounds between August 27 and September 4 across Cody, including one found floating in a pond, Cowboy State Daily reported.
Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, 20, was arrested following allegations of 18 counts of big game hunting charges after nine mule deer were killed with bow like wounds in Cody, WyomingÂ
Security footage was gathered by Carstens and the Wyoming Game and Fish department as part of their investigation, showing a silver car that matched the one found at the sight of the foot chase, according to the Powell Tribune.Â
Each class A misdemeanor charge carries a fine of up to $10,000 and one year in jail.Â
Wielhouwer is currently in custody with bail set at $36,000. His defense attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Cody’s deer population suffered a recent decline due to harsh winters. It is legal to hunt deer within town limits in Wyoming with licenses and permission given from property owners.Â
