'Lonely' man, 45, is shot by farmer after 'breaking into a barn weeks after sexually assaulting a miniature horse named Bella with a broom handle'

  • Adelio Guzman, 45, charged with animal cruelty, attempted animal cruelty, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief
  • Guzman is accused of breaking into Robichaud family's barn in Delaware in August and sexually assaulting his miniature horse, Bella, possibly with a broom
  • Bella suffered major trauma and was found covered in blood on August 16
  • Delaware State Police say on October 2, Guzman entered the same barn again, but this time the owner was alerted and shot the intruder 
  • Guzman told police at the hospital he would get lonely and go to the barn to talk to the horses and play with them

Sick act: Adelio Guzman, 45, has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly breaking into a Delaware barn and sexually assaulting a miniature horse in August

Sick act: Adelio Guzman, 45, has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly breaking into a Delaware barn and sexually assaulting a miniature horse in August

A Delaware man has been arrested and charged in the sexual assault of a miniature horse and a subsequent burglary at the same barn weeks later.

Authorities said Tuesday that 45-year-old Adelio Guzman, of Camden, was released on $11,750 bond after surrendering Friday.

Guzman is accused of assaulting the horse named Bella in mid-August on the Robichaud family's property on Pony Track Road near Dover. 

Speaking to Delaware 105.9FM shortly after the disturbing incident, the homeowner's granddaughter, Taylor Robichaud, said that on the morning of August 16, Bella was found in her stall covered in blood. 

It was suspected that the assailant used the handle of a broom to penetrate the animal, causing her major trauma.

'They basically tore her insides,' Ms Robichaud said at the time. 

A veterinarian said the mini horse was expected to make a full recovery. 

Innocent creature: Bella the horse suffered major trauma after being penetrated with an object, possibly a broom handle 

Innocent creature: Bella the horse suffered major trauma after being penetrated with an object, possibly a broom handle 

Bella's owner shared on Facebook graphic images showing the horse's injuries 

Bella's owner shared on Facebook graphic images showing the horse's injuries 

Shortly before 10pm on October 2, Guzman allegedly broke into the same barn, where he was shot by the 73-year-old property owner after an alarm indicated that there was an intruder on the property.

Guzman was taken to a hospital suffering from wounds to his lower body. 

On October 2, police say Guzman entered the same barn again but was shot by the 73-year-old owner

On October 2, police say Guzman entered the same barn again but was shot by the 73-year-old owner

When questioned by police at his bedside, the 45-year-old man admitted to entering the barn before October 2, reported DelawareOnline.com.

According to court documents, Guzman said he would get lonely and go to the barn to talk to the horses and play with them.  

He was discharged from the hospital last Thursday and turned himself in at Delaware State Police's Troop 3 the next day. 

Guzman is charged with animal cruelty, attempted animal cruelty and engaging in or trying to commit a sexual act involving an animal. He is also charged with burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner who shot Guzman.   

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