Three ghoulish neighbors allegedly killed boy’s therapy pig, then were found in aprons near boiling pot of water – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
A rural Georgia family confronted a nightmare last week when they discovered their 12-year-old son’s therapy pig shot dead outside a neighbor’s home. The animal lay near a bloody rope, with three people standing nearby in aprons and gloves as water boiled on a nearby pot.[1][2] Authorities arrested the trio, who now face serious charges in a case that has left the boy heartbroken and the community stunned.
A Gunshot Shatters the Night
Bootsy, a 400-pound show pig, had escaped her pen at the Cox family’s property in Hoschton one evening last week. The animal wandered off, prompting Garrett Cox’s parents, Matt and Kerrie Cox, to search the neighborhood. They heard a sudden gunshot nearby.[1]
Matt Cox followed the sound to a neighboring home, where the family found Bootsy dead from a close-range shot. A rope stained with blood lay beside her body, suggesting she had been restrained before the killing. Three individuals stood close by, dressed in aprons and gloves, while a pot of water boiled – details that pointed to preparations for butchering the pig.[2]
Kerrie Cox confronted one of the women. “Why would you do this? You knew she was our pig,” she recalled saying. The response – a laugh – deepened the family’s shock.[1]
Bootsy’s Role in a Young Boy’s Life
For Garrett Cox, Bootsy served as far more than a farm animal. The 12-year-old, who lives with ADHD and autism, struggled to fit in at school before the pig arrived about a year ago. She provided focus, joy, and a sense of purpose, helping his confidence soar.[2]
The pig joined Garrett in livestock competitions through the Future Farmers of America program. Together, they earned ribbons, and he dreamed of becoming a pig farmer. “She made me very happy,” Garrett said simply.[1] Bootsy bore a clear livestock ear tag, marking her as a domesticated show animal rather than anything wild.
Kerrie Cox noted how the bond grew as the pig did. “As Bootsy grew, love grew,” she said, crediting the animal with transforming her son’s life.[2]
Arrests Follow Family’s Report
Jackson County deputies investigated swiftly after the Coxes reported the incident. The three neighbors – Mai Kia Vang-Moua, 54; Maysy Moua, 59; and Kee Moua, 33 – told investigators they mistook Bootsy for a feral pig. The family rejected that explanation, pointing to the ear tag and the pig’s familiar presence in the area.[1]
All three now face aggravated animal cruelty charges. A conviction could bring up to five years in prison and fines of $15,000 each. Officials confirmed the arrests stemmed directly from the shooting and the scene the family described.[2]
- Mai Kia Vang-Moua, 54
- Maysy Moua, 59
- Kee Moua, 33
Grief Lingers in the Aftermath
The Cox family buried Bootsy near the barn she once called home. Garrett clings to the competition ribbons and memories of their time together. “I miss her so much,” he shared, his voice carrying the weight of loss.[1]
Matt Cox described his son’s reaction upon hearing the news. “Of course, he started crying. It’s been very up and down since,” he said. Kerrie emphasized the deliberate nature of the act. “This is someone who had purpose in what they were doing,” she stated.[2]
The case highlights tensions in rural areas where pets and livestock roam, but the Coxes maintain Bootsy’s identity was unmistakable. As legal proceedings unfold, the family seeks justice for the companion that meant everything to their son.
What remains is a young boy’s shattered dreams and a stark reminder of how fragile trust can be among neighbors.
