Investigation Into Two Missing Labrador Retrievers Leads To Criminal Charges

On May 13, 2025, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges of Killing a Domestic Animal, Obstruction of Justice, and Conspiracy to Commit Killing a Domestic Animal against Paul Ed Bowman, 49, and Killing a Domestic Animal and Obstruction of Justice against Brayden Bowman, 21, both of Kirklin, Indiana.

This case began on March 18, 2025, When the Boone County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Clinton County Humane Society regarding two missing chocolate Labrador Retrievers, believed to be located on a property in Boone County. Deputies responded to the report and completed an initial incident report based on the information provided.

On March 21, 2025, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, in coordination with the Animal Control Division, executed a search warrant at the identified property. While conducting the search, investigators collected evidence indicating that two dogs had been shot and killed at the location. However, the remains of the animals were not recovered at that time.

A second search warrant was executed on March 27, 2025, covering the same property and a section of Sugar Creek. During this operation, investigators discovered the remains of two chocolate Labrador Retrievers. Multiple resources, including personnel from the Department of Natural Resources and the Sheriff’s Office drone, were utilized during the search. The dogs were identified as Ruby and Nellie, the two missing dogs reported by the Clinton County Humane Society. Their remains were transported to Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for further examination.

On April 28, 2025, the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue University confirmed that both dogs died as a result of injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.