"Targets don't bleed": Joplin woman accused of buying guinea pig to shoot
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A Joplin woman is accused of buying a guinea pig only to use it as target practice.
20-year-old Grace Savannah Wolfshorndl was arrested and prosecutors are seeking a mental evaluation to determine whether she is fit to stand trial.
She faces a felony animal abuse charge and a misdemeanor weapons charge following the incident last week.
According to a probable cause statement, Joplin Police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Wolfshorndl had been firing a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber rifle outside her home.
Wolfshorndl bought the rifle earlier that day, went to a local pet store, and paid for a guinea pig.
After taking the animal home, she allegedly fired multiple shotgun rounds at it, but missed.
Police say she then put the guinea pig in a box with blueberries to keep it still, allowing her to aim.
She allegedly shot and killed the animal before attempting to hide it when officers arrived.
When questioned about why she purchased an animal specifically to kill it, Wolfshorndl allegedly told investigators, "Targets don't bleed."
Police also found that Wolfshorndl had been discharging firearms within 100 yards of a school, since she lives near the Freeman Learning Center at 36th and Indiana.
Wolfshorndl initially posted bond; however, Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch then filed motions to revoke her $5,000 bond and request a mental evaluation to determine whether she is fit to stand trial.
Judge Jacob R. Skouby granted the requests, ordered the evaluation and suspended the criminal proceedings.
He also revoked Wolfshorndl's bond and issued a new warrant ordering her held without bond.
Newton County sheriff's deputies served that warrant on Monday, taking Wolfshorndl back into custody.
The investigation continues.
