A Las Vegas equestrian competition turned into a crime scene when three competitors’ horses were stabbed in an apparent attempt to incapacitate them and remove them from competition. Later, it was revealed that a teenage barrel racing competitor was the main suspect. According to The Independent, the teenage girl is now facing 12 counts of willfully killing or maiming an animal and three counts of felony malicious destruction of private property worth more than $5,000. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was characteristically quick to respond to the complaint and released a statement explaining how investigators identified the unnamed teen as the main suspect. The statement read, in part, “Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified a teenage girl as a possible suspect. The teen had access to the barn, and investigators believe she may have used a knife to inflict multiple injuries to the horses.” The National Barrel Horse Association confirmed to the outlet that the horses were not killed in the attack, but the injuries prevented the animals from participating in that day’s competitions. The organization described the incident as “an isolated incident during the early morning hours of Saturday, May 30, involving the mistreatment of a limited number of equine athletes by an event competitor.” Police did not reveal the identity of the suspect, but the Las Vegas Review-Journal spoke to other competitors who knew her. Fellow competitor Cali Raymer, 17, revealed that she had spoken with the suspect a few times and said she was surprised that this kind of thing could happen in their community. ABC7 was also able to reach one of the horse owners. While she did not want to be named, she shared her views on the stabbing. “To see [my horse] Detail, who is my entire world and my best friend, in so much pain, helpless and injured.” The owner also alleged that the suspect follows her on social media. The owner added that the suspect “has made comments and attempts about trying to meet me and Detail at last year’s NBHA Supershow.” The owner continued, “This year she happened to be in the same warm-up pen at the same time as me and officially met me and Detail. This was one night before the stabbing. She made comments on Detail’s markings.” eThe suspect was found at a nearby hotel. She was then transported to the local Clark County Juvenile Hall as she awaits the filing of charges. The event, however, went on pretty much uninterrupted. The National Barrel Horse Association released a statement assuring participants of their safety, saying, “The individual involved has been removed and placed in the care of authorities, and there is no ongoing threat of any kind.” The group continued, “All appropriate steps have been taken to ensure the well-being of all horses. We ask for respect and understanding for all involved during this sensitive time.” The total payout for the event, which ran from May 28 through May 31, was $232,738.