Investigation underway after a dog was shot and blinded in Henry County

- Virginia, USA -

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️

~ Update: February 3, 2026

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office announced that 52-year-old EDWIN GREEN TURNER (pictured), has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a family dog named Bella that resulted in the furvictim becoming blind.

The Criminal Investigations Division of the sheriff’s office has continued to actively pursue leads in this case and as part of the ongoing investigation, on January 30, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a home on 46 Holloway Drive in Bassett.

During the search, investigators recovered a 12-gauge shotgun and three fired shotgun shells believed to be connected to the incident.

According to the sheriff's office, TURNER was interviewed and confessed and was placed under arrest.

TURNER was charged with:

Cruelty to animals

Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment

Reckless handling of a firearm.

Additional charges are pending as law enforcement consults with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office.

TURNER was booked into the Henry County Adult Detention Center on a $5,000 secured bond. At the time of writing, records show that TURNER is still behind bars.

Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis said in a written statement: “Our investigators have worked diligently and methodically to bring this case forward. Acts of cruelty toward animals are taken seriously in Henry County, and we will continue to hold individuals accountable when evidence supports criminal charges. We appreciate the cooperation of the community and encourage anyone with additional information to continue coming forward.”

~ Original story:

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office said that its Criminal Investigation Division “is actively investigating a disturbing and deeply troubling act of animal cruelty.”

In its press release the sheriff's office said that on December 27, 2025, a Poodle named Bella was briefly let outside the family home by her guardian in the Holloway Drive area of Bassett.

While Bella was outside, several gunshots were heard. Minutes later, Bella was found suffering “from injuries consistent with being shot with birdshot” stated the press release.

Bella was rushed to an emergency veterinary facility where she underwent multiple procedures and surgeries.

The sheriff's office said that “As a result of this appalling criminal act, Bella has lost her eyesight.”

According to the press release, investigators have been working on this case since December 27, 2025, and are not slowing down. They have conducted extensive neighborhood canvases, they have completed numerous interviews, and all the information gathered has been reviewed.

The sheriff's office said that “This was an intentional act of cruelty” and added that “Violence toward animals is not only heartless, it is a criminal offense, and this case will be pursued aggressively.”

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is now asking for help. Investigators are especially interested in reaching out to residents in the Fairmont Drive and Holloway Drive areas of Bassett. Anyone who saw, heard or knows anything connected to this incident, is asked to come forward with information.

Those responsible for this egregious crime must be held accountable!

Please, call Crime Stoppers at 276-63-CRIME (27463), or submit a tip through Tip411 on your Apple or Android device. Alternatively, call the Sheriff’s Office directly at (276) - 656 - 4200 or (276) - 638 - 8751. Thank you!

Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis stated:

“This was a cruel and deliberate act, and it has deeply affected this family and our community. Our investigators have been working diligently, and we are committed to seeing this case through. Acts of violence against animals will not be tolerated in Henry County. We are dedicated not only to solving this crime but to protecting the animals and families in our community. We will continue pursuing every lead until those responsible are identified and held fully accountable under the law. If someone can provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction, I will personally go before the Martinsville-Henry County Crimestoppers Board and request the full award amount of $2500.00.”

As for Bella, the sheriff’s office said that she is currently recovering at home with her family.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

Pictures and mugshot shared from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office

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