Three to be Sentenced in Nevada Wild-Horse Killings

According to an Associated Press report, two men charged in the killing of 34 wild horses in the hills east of Reno, Nev., pleaded no contest Jan. 7 to single gross misdemeanor counts, and a third defendant pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.

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According to an Associated Press report, two men charged in the killing of 34 wild horses in the hills east of Reno, Nev., pleaded no contest Jan. 7 to single gross misdemeanor counts, and a third defendant pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. Sentencing was set for Feb.11.


The 1998 case prompted international outrage and led to less-than-honorable military discharges for two of the men.


The report stated that two former Marine lance corporals, Scott Brendle and Darien Brock, pleaded no contest to gross misdemeanor counts of killing or maiming an animal. The two men could face up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000.


The third individual, Anthony Merlino, admitted that he shot one injured horse to put it out of its misery, and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace. Merlino, a construction worker, faces up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000

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Written by:

Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director, grew up riding and caring for her family’s horses in Central Virginia and received a B.A. in journalism and equestrian studies from Averett University. She joined The Horse in 1999 and has led the editorial team since 2010. A 4-H and Pony Club graduate, she enjoys dressage, eventing, and trail riding with her former graded-stakes-winning Thoroughbred gelding, It Happened Again (“Happy”). Stephanie and Happy are based in Lexington, Kentucky.

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