A well-known South Carolina dog breeder was shot multiple times during the planned sale of a French bulldog. He had arranged to meet someone at a KFC parking lot, but then the unthinkable happened.
Well-known dog breeder shot to death during sale
A man with a reputation as being “the best breeder in South Carolina” was shot to death during what was supposed to be a pre-arranged sale of a French bulldog at a KFC parking lot, according to authorities.
Lonnie A. Ray, 76, had made arrangements to meet a buyer on the evening of Monday, February 6, 2023, in the parking lot of a KFC in Bishopville, South Carolina – located about 53 miles northeast of Columbia, NBC reported.
The sale was planned online, and Ray spoke to the prospective buyer by telephone before the meeting. The price was set at $2,500.
As Ray had done in the past, he brought along a friend for the transaction, someone who had frequently tagged along for such meetings, according to Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon.
Buyer steals dog, starts firing
The two parties met at KFC parking lot in Bishopville, People reported. The buyer had brought along several passengers.
“Here he met the gentlemen,” Sheriff Simon said. “He had a passenger in the vehicle with him.”
“When they went to do the exchange for the dog, the guy snatched the leash from him and pulled out a handgun and started firing,” the sheriff added.
As the shooter sped off in a sedan, three or four people were seen inside the vehicle, according to the sheriff.
Ray’s companion, a 77-year-old man, was shot at but not injured, the New York Post reported.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Ray on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. It was not immediately clear how many times he’d been shot.
Ray was rushed to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead an hour later.
Authorities searching for suspects
Thus far, authorities are still looking for suspects. Investigators are hoping that surveillance footage will help lead them to Ray’s shooter.
“It’s really frustrating,” Sheriff Simon said, that witnesses are refusing to talk to police.
“This could be your family next,” the sheriff added. “You’ll never know when you want someone to speak up for someone in your family if someone does harm.”
Tips for staying safe with online transactions
Local authorities in South Carolina are trying to prevent further crimes that occurred during transactions that begin online. They plan to set up a meeting area inside the Sheriff’s office Bishopville precinct, Sheriff Simon said.
French Bulldogs have high value, now a target for thieves
Due to their high value, French Bulldogs have become a highly coveted target for thieves.
In 2001, a dog walker for Lady Gaga was shot and injured as two of her French Bulldogs were violently stolen. The dogs were later returned.
