MAGNOLIA, AR (KSLA) -
A Southern Arkansas University counselor says counseling is available for students mourning the death of "Credit Card".
SAU Director of Counseling Paula Woods says the university staff is aware of the trauma this incident has caused the rodeo team and other students.
"If it is one-on-one, or if it is group counseling and if there is a need where we see we can't handle it we can always pull professional people from other departments to come in and help," says Woods. "They are going to experience anger, sadness, loss, wondering why and then to that last stage of acceptance."
SAU rodeo team members say the brutal way that "Credit Card" was killed is still on their minds.
We have been around the horse," says Libby Weatherford, SAU rodeo member. " We know how much it's like to have a horse you love and to think that could have happened to our horse really hurts all of us."
"It's just a terrible, terrible thing to happen," says Lorain Ross, SAU rodeo member.
"Credit Card" was one of the stolen horses whose remains were found on November 25th in Oklahoma.
The Smith family, owners of "Credit Card", say the horse was shot, its throat was slit and then the horse was cut into pieces.
"Nothing can justify doing that to an animal," says Robin Smith, owner.
Jaci Rae Jackson, 18, has been arrested in connection with the horse thefts. Investigators have not said if Jackson is responsible for the death of "Credit Card".
Mickey Carter and Charles Tremmel were arrested Monday night in connection with the case. Both face a charge of possession of stolen items. Carter and Tremmel are not facing charges related to the actual theft of the horses.
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Southern Arkansas University students attended the December 5th news briefing concerning the arrest
Shaun Smith, SAU Rodeo Team Member and "Credit Card" (Courtesy: Southern Arkansas University)
Jaci Rae Jackson, 18 (Source: Columbia County Sheriff's Office)
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