A Michigan town is heartbroken and demanding answers after a police officer was caught on video killing a beloved deer known locally as Annie.
The incident occurred on October 20th outside Pamela Babb’s home in Lawrence, Van Buren County.
Many local residents were horrified at the killing of their beloved deer, with one saying: “There’s no reason to put him down, he’s never hurt anyone.”
Graphic video shared on social media shows Annie wrestling with Officer David Loza, who had a leash tied around her neck.
The wild deer continues to fight with Officer Loza. A second video shows him shooting the animal.
The officer manages to pin Annie down while she is lying upside down before pulling out a pistol and firing a single shot. The deer flinches before going limp.
Annie, pictured here, was rescued by Pamela Babb and her family after her mother died in a car accident
Graphic video shared on social media shows Annie’s wrestling officer, David Loza, placing a leash around her neck
Officer Loza is seen fighting with Annie before he manages to gain control of the animal and shoot it in the head
Pamela Babb told WWMT that her family rescued the animal as a deer after her mother was hit by a car.
She told the outlet, “They couldn’t help us take her in because they ran out of room.”
Nevaeh Sylvester, Babb’s granddaughter, was responsible for feeding the animal three times a day as a child.
She told WWMT, “I felt like that was more humane than leaving her with her dead mother.”
“When she was old enough, she would come back to the farm and play with you, the children.”
Babb said officers had been at the property for an unrelated child support incident when Officer Loza spotted the animal.
Babb added: “He reached out and put his hand on her head, was able to touch her and said she was domesticated and needed to be put down.”
Sylvester added: “I couldn’t save her, I just wanted to so badly but there was nothing we could have done. “I just wanted her to be safe but that wasn’t the case.
“She was a part of my family like a child or a sibling, I was very close to her.”
Pamela Babb, pictured here, said her family rescued the animal as a deer after her mother was hit by a car
Nevaeh Sylvester, seen here, was responsible for feeding the animal three times a day during his childhood
In a statement, Pokagon Band Tribal Police Chief Mario RedLegs said: “The Pokagon Band Tribal Police are currently conducting an investigation regarding the killing of a deer on the property of a Lawrence, Michigan suspect who was taken into custody on a warrant. “Friday, October 20th.
“The Pokagon Band Tribal Police assisted law enforcement in Van Buren County and consulted with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.”
“The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave. “We appreciate your patience in this matter and will provide you with an update once the investigation is complete.”
Since the deer’s death on Friday, locals have created a Facebook group called “Justice for Annie.”
The Justice for Annie Facebook page has been flooded with comments from those demanding justice and leaving memories.
Since the deer’s death on Friday, locals have created a Facebook group called “Justice for Annie.”
Since her death, the Justice for Annie Facebook page has been flooded with comments from people demanding justice and leaving memories
Officers had been on the property for an unrelated child support incident when Officer David Loza, pictured here, spotted the animal
One post said: “Rest, sweet Annie.” What the monsters you last interacted with did to you was cruel, inhumane and heartless.
“May you go to heaven with memories of the love of the Village of Lawrence and everyone who knew you for you.”
Another read: “Our sweet Annie. My heart is broken. Everyone in Lawrence Township loves and misses you.”
While another said: “This is how I will always remember Annie.” RIP sweet girl. So many people loved you. You’ve made a difference in this world.’
Meanwhile, a post to the group said Babb has been charged with unlawful domestication of a wild animal and is awaiting a court date for her initial appearance.
Officer Loza’s sister, Gretchen Loza, also shared a post on her Facebook page.
She said: “On behalf of our family we wanted to say thank you for the hundreds of calls and texts.”
“Many of you have asked what we need, so here it is…we need those brave enough to stand with Dave and speak up for him.”
“Don’t judge a book by one paragraph, because in that case people are missing a lot of the story.”