DNREC Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police have arrested Richard Bunting, 20, of Frankford along with two unnamed juveniles, according to DNREC Police.
Officials said all three have been charged with multiple counts of deer poaching and felony charges. The arrest came following an investigation into a reported wildlife animal cruelty incident that occurred on July 8, 2020, in the area of Hudson Road near Gumboro, Delaware, just north of the Maryland state line.
Police said the incident allegedly involved Bunting and two juveniles video recording themselves intentionally hitting a deer with a motor vehicle and continuing to perform cruel acts on the deer, which ultimately resulted in its death. Bunting and the two juveniles were charged with one count each of felony cruelty to animals, felony conspiracy second degree, hunting deer during a closed season, possessing or transporting an unlawfully killed antlerless deer, unlicensed hunting and underage possession of alcohol.
Bunting was arraigned via video with Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Rehoboth Beach and released on his own recognizance pending future court appearances in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas. The two juveniles were released to their parents and are awaiting arraignment with Family Court in Georgetown.
Officials said that the defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
