Men accused of killing alligator in Brevard County

Suspect says he shot gator to protect cattle

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – Two men were arrested in Brevard County on suspicion of killing an alligator because it was a threat to cattle on the property.

Dale Richard Henckel Jr., 48, of Titusville, and Clavis Smith Jr., 27, were arrested on charges of illegal killing/possession of an alligator.

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According to an arrest report, Henckel and Smith were seen carrying a freshly killed alligator that was 33-inches long.

Henckel said he shot the gator so it would not kill the cattle on the property, according to the arrest report.

No other details were released.


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