Reward offered for info about cows killed in Wilsonville

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) who shot and killed 10 cows in Wilsonville.

The Shelby County Cattlemen's Association has said they will give an award up to $5,000 for information that helps the Shelby County Sheriff's Office arrest the person responsible for the crime.

Between Friday, July 27 and Wednesday, Aug. 1, a total of 10 cows were shot to death in the 3400 block of Highway 56 in Wilsonville, according to the sheriff's office.

The cows' owner, Bill Johnson, says the dead animals were "scattered around" his pasture. He believes they were shot by a small caliber gun, perhaps a .22 rifle, and were likely in pain before they died.

"They walked, some of them walked around a day or so before they died," he said. The cows' deaths have cost Johnson around $30,000.

Investigators with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office are asking for the community's help in solving the case.

Anyone with informationabout the case is asked to contact CrimeStoppers by calling (205) 254-7777. Tips may also be reported online by selecting the "Submit-a-Tip" button and completing the tip form through the CrimeStoppers webpage at www.crimestoppersmetroal.com.

Copyright WBRC 2012. All rights reserved.