Two men have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the shooting of three wild burros in Southern California's Mojave Desert over two years ago. The incident took place on November 6, 2021, in a remote area northeast of Barstow. The men, identified as John Feikema of Yorba Linda, California, and Christopher James Arnet of Loveland, Colorado, were equipped with high-powered rifles and tactical gear, including night vision goggles.
Wild burros, protected under federal law, are iconic symbols of the American Southwest, tracing back to their role as pack animals during California's Gold Rush. The men each pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle and maliciously causing the death of a burro on public lands.
During the incident, Feikema, 36, fired at least four shots, while Arnet, 32, fired at least five shots. One of the burros was shot near its spine, causing paralysis in its hind legs and severe pain before succumbing to its injuries. A bullet recovered from the burro matched the firearm used by Arnet.
The unregistered 'AR-style' rifles used in the shooting were seized from the men's residences. As part of their plea agreements, Arnet and Feikema agreed to surrender the firearms, over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, night vision goggles, and other tactical gear.
At their sentencing scheduled for July 8, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for the firearm violation and up to one year for the burro deaths. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife and upholding laws that safeguard endangered species.
