Investigators: Rogers County Teen Confessed To Killing Farm-Raised Deer

Investigators with the department of agriculture say an 18 year old man has confessed to killing a buck and a doe on a deer farm near Chelsea last week.

Gregg Hayworth, the owner of Rocky Creek Whitetails, was pretty devastated a week ago when he realized someone had cut his fence and shot at dragged off his friendliest, most tame doe and also shot his breeding buck, both with an arrow.

He said he just couldn't understand why someone would do it.

One investigator compared it to hunting in a zoo, because these animals are protected and kept separate from deer in the wild.

The day after our first story aired, Hayworth's buck also died.

10/8/2012 Related Story: Rogers County Deer Farmer Says Someone Cut Fence, Shot 2 Deer

Not only are the deer a huge financial investment for Hayworth's business and part of his livelihood, but they're also a huge investment of his time and effort.

Investigators say, when confronted with evidence, the 18-year-old suspect confessed to killing the doe, dragging her to his truck, cutting out her ear tags and tossing them. He reportedly told police he then went back and shot the buck, but it wasn't a kill shot, so he left.

The buck was shot above his shoulder—a through and through shot.

Investigators say they collected evidence, including DNA and the suspect's bow and arrow.

Now, the suspect faces a felony charge of cruelty to animals, as well as a grand larceny charge for taking the doe.

They say he was just desperate to kill a deer with his new bow and arrow set, and wanted to impress his family and friends.

The authorities won't release his name until he's charged later this week.

Hayworth told News On 6, he's glad the case has been solved and hopes to get restitution for his losses.

He said he has bought a new buck, but isn't bringing him home, until they've added lights, a gate and other security measures to protect the deer pens.