BRANDON TERRY HONEA arrested in connection with the killing of a wild opossum
- Tennessee, USA -
Authorities in Lincoln County investigated an incident involving a wild opossum that resulted in an arrest on aggravated animal cruelty charges.
The Fayetteville Police Department said in a Facebook post that it received several calls and messages regarding the incident. The department referred the matter to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for further investigation because the opossum is classified as Class 2 wildlife. Fayetteville Police also stated that it would work in collaboration with TWRA, which was identified as the lead investigating agency.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office also addressed the incident in a Facebook post, stating: “Following an investigation into the incident, our deputies identified the individual involved and made an arrest.”
The Sheriff's Office did not identify the suspect in its post.
However, Investigator Cheyenne Gonzalez with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office kindly responded to my inquiry and confirmed that the incident was reported to the department on November 9, 2026.
Investigator Gonzalez explained that, due to the incident's location, the Sheriff's Office had jurisdiction over the case, with assistance from TWRA. She also confirmed that the Sheriff's Office charged 34-year-old BRANDON TERRY HONEA (pictured).
HONEA was arrested on November 11, 2026, and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Regarding the opossum, Investigator Gonzalez stated that the animal could not be recovered because the video provided to investigators, which circulated on social media, showed that the opossum had been killed.
I also contacted TWRA for additional information. Jason Harmon, Communications Manager, Public Relations, confirmed that TWRA is reviewing the case and will coordinate with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney General. He explained that the agency could not comment further while the matter remains under investigation.
At the time of writing, no additional details have been made available.
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Mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
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