Update (4/15/2025, 11:25 a.m.):

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has provided an update in the case of a wild horse who was killed with a crossbow in 2023.

Johnathon Wilson was sentenced on March 24 to the maximum sentence of 24-60 months in prison.

He was convicted on one count of unlawful and malicious killing of a wild horse.

Wilson will be eligible for parole after 24 months served.

Update, October 4, 6:30 p.m.

A line of wild horse supporters stretched down the sidewalk outside the Dayton Justice Court Wednesday morning, many wearing t-shirts with a shared slogan: “Justice for Frost.”

“Frost” is the name of the horse found dead in Stagecoach last week, according to the couple who found his body on their property.

Johnathon Wilson, 41, is accused of shooting and killing the horse with a crossbow. Wilson appeared for a status hearing Wednesday morning with updated charges. He faces two felony counts, one for the malicious killing of a wild horse, and a second for torturing, overdriving, injuring or abandoning animals and failure to provide proper sustenance. The charges carry sentences that run from one to five years in prison.

“We’re here to just say there’s no room for this kind of cruelty in our communities. … We really want to see this prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Tracy Wilson, the Nevada State Director for the American Wild Horse Campaign, standing outside the courthouse.

The Palmers, who say Frost limped his way to their Stagecoach home before taking his final breath, say they’re hoping for similar turnout at all of Johnathon Wilson’s court dates.

“We’re inspired by the fact that Frost came to our property to die knowing that we would be able to do something to support him,” Beth Palmer told 2 News as she fought back tears. “That’s why we’re here, and that’s why everyone is here – because of the abject cruelty.”

Johnathon Wilson is currently being held in the Lyon County Detention Center. During the status conference, Judge Camille Vecchiarelli said that he has not been able to post his $10,000 bail. The court scheduled his next status conference for October 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Original Story, October 4, 12:19 p.m.

The man accused of killing a wild horse in Lyon County is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.

41-year-old Johnathon Wilson is expected to appear for a preliminary hearing where he will be formally charged with unlawful and malicious killing of a wild horse. 

Authorities say he used a crossbow to kill the mustang, named Frost, late last month.

According to horse advocacy group Wild Horse Connection, a volunteer and member of the LRTC (Least Resistance Training Concepts) Technical Large Animal Rescue Team, found the body when she went out to feed her own horses.

Deputies say they followed a blood trail to an address in Stagecoach, where after getting a search warrant found similar arrows and a crossbow.

Wilson is currently being held in the Lyon County jail on $11,005 bail.

“No animal deserves to die this way," said Wild Horse Connection President Corenna Vance. "These horses are a cherished and historic part of living on the Virginia Range. It’s a sad day, but we appreciate the thorough follow through by law enforcement.”

(LCSO and Wild Horse Connections assisted with this report.)