May 30, 2012 (LOWELL, Ind.)  --   An 8-year-old horse was shot between the eyes in Lowell, Ind., the day before it was to run a race at Balmoral Park in Crete.

Investigators say they are looking for a white, newer model two-door pickup truck that was seen in the area where the harness race horse was found dead on Tuesday.

Police say the Standardbred trotting horse named Lady May Z was shot between 4 and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, in a pasture near the corner of 245th Avenue and Colfax Street in Lowell.

The horse’s owner questioned “just what kind of a cold-hearted person could take the life of such an innocent creature ? “

An autopsy on the mare will be performed today at Purdue University to remove the bullet and obtain forensic information to aid the investigation.

Anyone with info should call the Lake County, IN Sheriff’s Department at 219-755-3346.