A Larimer County, Colorado, man was arrested and stands accused of a gruesome act — shooting and killing several cattle belonging to his neighbors that roamed freely near his property.
On April 1, 2024, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a man, identified as Michael Hester, had shot and killed livestock around his property. Deputies and a crime scene investigator responded to an address on Buckhorn Road.
Jordan Yarber, the owner of the cattle, and a fourth-generation rancher told 9 News, “I’ve never lost this many cattle in one day.” Before this incident, the family had only ever lost two calves in one day to smoke inhalation during a wildfire.
Surrounding neighbors told deputies that a gunman had driven a UTV around while shooting at their livestock.
In her report to the sheriff’s office, one neighbor stated, “I was outside doing chores. I heard continuous, nonstop gunfire, and I looked across the street and witnessed my neighbor, Michael Hester, erratically shooting cows from his ATV like they were fish in a barrel.”
Deputies obtained search warrants and located seven dead cattle in various locations in the area. They also found an eighth cow that had been critically injured and had to be euthanized.
Deputies enlisted the services of a brand inspector and licensed livestock appraiser to confirm the ownership and value of the animals. They determined that the dead cattle belonged to two neighbors, and the total loss is estimated to be over $30,000.
Hester was arrested during the initial contact and was issued a $5,000 personal recognizance bond by the Larimer County Court. Additional felony charges have been filed, and he faces the following:
- Aggravated Animal Cruelty (F6) – 9 counts
- Second Degree Criminal Trespass (F5)
- Theft of Certain Animals (F4) – 8 counts
- Shooting Across Public Highway
“This crime shows a disturbing disregard for life and livelihood,” said Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer, who leads the LCSO Operations Division. “We know how much these animals mean to our ranching community, and we won’t tolerate actions that threaten their welfare.”
The Colorado statute, commonly known as the “Open Range Law,” allows livestock owners to graze animals without containment. Residents who want to restrict livestock access to their property are required to fence off these areas.
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