Horse trainer found dead with gunshot wound as 16-year-old boy arrested after ‘horrifying’ murder
A MUCH-LOVED horse trainer was found dead with a single gunshot wound in a ‘horrifying’ murder that has shocked racing.
A 16-year-old boy was among two arrested after cops found the body of 62-year-old Todd Scherer.
Scherer, 62, was found dead in a barn with a gunshot wound
Hunts Horse, 20, was one of two suspects arrested after the ‘horrifying’ incident
According to KLKN TV, 20-year-old Logan Hunts Horse was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and robbery.
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of robbery and two counts of accessory to a felony.
Thoroughbred Daily News report that Scherer, who lived in Nebraska, US, was hit with a baseball bat and shot in the torso.
Grand Island Nebraska Police Department captain Dean Elliott said: “It appears the victim and suspects knew each other and this was not a random attack.”
Cops were called to Fonner Park racecourse on Thursday morning after a report of a man found unconscious and not breathing.
There they found Scherer’s body in a barn – and Hunts Horse asleep in a nearby tack room.
Reports say a gun, believed to be the murder weapon, was found next to the suspect.
Scherer trained 60 winners in his career and was most active from 1981 to 1994.
He had worked for legendary trainer Steve Asmussen and led Storm Treasure into the paddock for the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
Racecourse boss Chris Kotulak said: “It is horrifying news that Todd Scherer, who was such a popular person in our Nebraska Thoroughbred industry, has been wickedly taken away from us.
“Many of us grew up with Todd, including myself, and he was typically associated with good times at the racetrack.
“He was also known as a very dedicated and knowledgeable horseman.
“I have visited with some of his family members, and they are understandably devastated.
“Fonner Park management, staff and our horsemen express our sympathies to his family.”
While Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said: “People across the country knew the victim, he had worked in several jurisdictions, and everyone loved him.
“They said he was a really fun person, really positive, and they were absolutely beside themselves when they heard the news that he had died.”
This is the second tragic death to hit US racing this month.
Jockey Alex Canchari passed away ‘unexpectedly’ aged 29 – a loss described as ‘unbelievable’ by those close to him.
