Maple Valley horse killed by kick from another horse: KCSO

Authorities investigating another horse killing in King County

It's the second time a horse has been found shot in the head in just a few months. Buttercup was found Monday morning in her pasture off 276th Ave SE with a gunshot to her forehead.

KING COUNTY, Wash. - King County sheriff’s deputies are investigating after a horse was found dead in Maple Valley.

Buttercup was found dead in her pasture the morning of Feb. 26, off 276th Ave SE. Deputies initially investigated the death as a possible killing, as early evidence suggested a gunshot wound to the head.

Authorities have now confirmed Buttercup was not shot, but was fatally kicked in the head by another horse in her stable.

The sheriff's office made the announcement Monday following a necropsy.

The owner of the property, Pamela, told FOX 13 News that Buttercup was fine the evening of Feb. 25 when she was fed, so she died sometime that night or early the next morning. At the time, deputies were unable to find gunshot powder residue near Buttercup's body or around the wound.

Buttercup was the guide and lifelong companion to her blind sister, Peanut. Peanut has now lost that bond and her guide. Their owner, Stevie Jacobsen, is heartbroken.

"They’ve been together virtually their entire lives," shared Jacobsen. "Peanut is blind in one eye, so she really looked to Buttercup."

Peanut the horse (Handout from owner)

Early details of Buttercup's death drew parallels to a similar incident in Pierce County last December after a horse named ‘LeMon’ was shot in the forehead and found in front of the stable.

Editor's note: FOX 13 News originally reported this death as a shooting, based on an early information from Pamela and the sheriff's office. This story has been updated to reflect new evidence.