Three arrested in deer killings

WAUPACA - There are some answers now for the Waupaca County community, as authorities believe they caught the three Weyauwega area men responsible for running over five deer with snowmobiles.

"A crime like this really hits close to home, especially in a small community," said Waupaca County Sheriff Brad Hardel.

Investigators say the arrests came thanks to help from community members. Click here to read the detailed allegations.

"Tips through the hotline, people were very concerned and want to make sure who ever did this was brought to justice," said DNR Warden Byron Goetsch.

Nicholas Hermes, 22, was the first to be charged and appear in court. He faces five counts of cruelty to animals and possibly 17 1/2 years in prison if convicted. Authorities say they found a snowmobile with blood and deer fur at Hermes' home.

"At this point we are still sorting out who did what, but we have the main players and we feel comfortable with that," said Hardel.

Hermes was released from jail on a signature bond.

Hermes and his girlfriend, Emily Schofenr, told FOX 11 they were trying to stop Robby and Rory Kuenzi from running over the deer. Schofenr was riding on the back of the Hermes' snowmobile at the time of the incident. Hermes and Schofenr claim they only hit a deer accidentally as it crossed their path. Schofenr is not considered a suspect in the case.

The criminal complaint states the Kuenzis said they intended to come back and get one of the deer to eat and tied it to a tree.

Rory Kuenzi, 24, has a prior felony conviction for battery. Authorities say the snowmobile he was riding was reported stolen two weeks before the incident.

Neither of Kuenzis have been charged but the Waupaca County District Attorney's office says that could happen Friday.