PRATTVILLE, Ala. (EETV)- Alabama resident Byron Jamar Esco was sentenced to almost five years in prison Thursday for shooting a cow and illegally possessing a firearm.
According to information provided by the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama's office, Esco shot the pregnant cow in November of 2017 shortly after being released from a state correctional facility. The cow's owner saw Esco's vehicle and reported the incident to law enforcement officials.
“We often assume that gun violence is a problem that exists only on city streets,” said United States Attorney Franklin. “Sadly, even a rural area can be the scene of needless violence, as this case demonstrates. This office, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to make every part of this district—from city streets to country roads—safe.”
Due to Esco's previous felony convictions, he was not allowed to posses a firearm at the time and was charged by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Esco pleaded guilty to the crime and at the sentencing hearing, Esco received an enhancement for possessing the firearm in furtherance of another felony offense—that felony offense being killing cattle livestock, in violation of Alabama law.
