A Bassett man has been charged with animal cruelty and firearms offenses after a dog was shot and permanently blinded during a December incident in the Holloway Drive area.
A poodle named Bella was briefly let outside her home Dec. 27, 2025, when her owner heard multiple gunshots, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Minutes later, Bella was found suffering from injuries consistent with being shot with birdshot and was rushed to an emergency veterinary facility, according to a release at the time from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
“This was a cruel and deliberate act, and it has deeply affected this family and our community,” Sheriff Wayne Davis said in the early days of the investigation.
On January 30, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at 46 Holloway Drive, Bassett, as part of the ongoing investigation. During the search of the residence, investigators located several items of evidentiary value, including a 12-gauge shotgun and three fired shotgun shells believed to be connected to the incident.
As a result of the investigation and evidence recovered, Edwin Green Turner, 52, was interviewed, allegedly confessed, and subsequently placed under arrest.
Turner also was charged with purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment and reckless handling of a firearm.
He was held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center with a $5,000 secured bond.
Bonding considerations are made by a magistrate not the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, a release stated.
Additional charges are pending in review in consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
“Our investigators have worked diligently and methodically to bring this case forward,” Davis said. “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.”
Authorities thanked residents of the Holloway Drive and surrounding communities “for their assistance and vigilance throughout this investigation.”
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-656-4200 or 276-638-8751. Anonymous tips may still be submitted through Crime Stoppers or Tip411.
