Reward for Buffalo Killer Raised to $45,000

Donations raise reward by $40,000

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for killing a buffalo calf and his mother has been increased to $45,000.

Lighting Medicine Cloud, a rare white buffalo born in 2011, and his mother, were found dead at the Lakota Buffalo Ranch in Hunt County last week just weeks after the calf's father was fatally struck by lightning.

The rare animal, sacred to the Lakota Sioux, was about to celebrate its first birthday during a powwow on May 12.

Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks said Friday he has opened a criminal investigation into the livestock deaths, although they have not yet classified the crime. The Texas Rangers and other state agencies are assisting.

Arby Little Soldier, the owner of the ranch, said Lightning Medicine Cloud's legacy will carry on and that the powwow scheduled for May 11-12 will go on as planned -- only now, they will memorialize the rare animal as well.

The original reward of $5,000 has been increased due to donations from people from around the country.

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