MINATARE, Neb. (AP) — The shooting of a beloved retired rodeo horse is being investigated as a felony crime in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Scotts Bluff County deputies have been gathering evidence and talking to people who were hunting in the area. No arrests have been reported, however.

The horse, J.K. Tonto, was found Nov. 17 by a grandfather of rodeo competitor Kayellyn Hall on the family ranch, which sits about three miles east of Lake Minatare. One of the horse’s shoulders had been shattered by a bullet, so he was euthanized.

Kayellyn Hall had owned the horse since she was 7 years old. She says it’s difficult to talk about J.K.’s death without crying.