STILLWATER, Okla. — Members of the FarmHouse fraternity at Oklahoma State University woke up to a shocking sight on Dec. 1.
Outside the fraternity on Monroe Street laid a dead longhorn. The animal's stomach is cut up the middle, with a vulgar branding or marking aimed at the fraternity.
The incident could be a prank between fraternities, or it could be in reference to the Big 12 Championship game between the University of Texas and OSU on Saturday.
2 News spoke with Stillwater police as they investigate the crime. A spokesman with SPD said a caller reported the dead cow around 6:39 in the morning.
Officers are investigating the case as possible animal cruelty, which is a felony, and improper disposal of a dead animal. SPD's spokesman said due to the unusual nature of the case, details like where and how the cow was killed will impact how the crime is handled.
On Dec. 6, the Stillwater Police Department served a search warrant at the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at 224 S. Washington.
The department said the search is part of "an ongoing investigation regarding the animal carcass dumped at Farm House fraternity."
Residents were asked to avoid the area during the search.
Stillwater Police Department released an update about the incident:
"Stillwater Police Department is working with Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Agriculture Investigative Services Unit, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, and the OSU Animal Science Department regarding the desecrated animal corpse illegally dumped on the lawn of Farm House fraternity."
"The initial finding of the necropsy from the OSU Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory is, “the animal was suffering from a natural disease process.” Final necropsy results should be available soon and reveal additional information about the time of death, cause of death, and if there is any evidence of animal cruelty."
"The heinous nature of how the animal carcass was disposed is unlawful."
"Preliminary reports from this multi-jurisdictional investigation indicate that members of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity have imperative information about the acquisition, transportation, and dumping of the animal corpse."
"Stillwater Police appreciates the cooperation from the Farm House fraternity and will continue efforts to collect information from Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity."
OSU released this statement about the incident:
"Oklahoma State University is appalled at the disturbing display of animal cruelty that occurred overnight at an off-campus location near a fraternity house. The Stillwater Police Department is investigating the incident, and the university’s Office of Student Support and Conduct also has initiated an investigation."
"Oklahoma State expects all students to adhere to university codes of conduct, and appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation."
They're asking anyone with information to call the Stillwater police tip line at 405-533-8477.
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