A U.S. Navy veteran was severely beaten on Valentine's Day after attempting to stop three young men from killing a turtle in Daytona Beach, police say.

  • Three males beat a US veteran on Feb. 14
  • Garry Blough, 45, said he saw the men torturing a turtle -- and told them to stop
  • Blough's injuries were severe

According to the Daytona Beach Police Department, Garry Blough, 45, became concerned when his wife, Jennifer, 24, and the couple’s daughter returned to their apartment from a walk. Police say Jennifer informed her husband that she had witnessed three young men torturing a turtle near the lake at their apartment complex. 

She was very upset by the scene.

When Blough went outside to assess the situation, he said it was just as his wife had described.

The three men -- later identified as Johnnie Beveritt, 18, Ryan Ponder, 23, and a 16-year-old male whose name we’re not releasing due to our crime guidelines -- were reportedly slamming the creature onto the concrete sidewalk.

The group became violent when Blough approached them. He wanted them to stop.

By the time authorities arrived, Blough had been severely beaten. The other men involved had fled.

According to police reports, Blough said his attackers showed zero remorse -- even saying they didn't care if they got arrested for the attack.

"Victim-1 stated that the three defendants worked in concert with each other," the police report reads, "and proceeded to batter him repeatedly with their fists. V-1 said he fell to the ground. V-1 said the group of defendants began kicking him in his head, face, torso, and legs."

First responders believe Blough suffered broken facial bones from the beating, and possibly a fractured skull.

The suspects, who didn't make it far before authorities arrested them, are all facing charges of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability, and animal cruelty.

Police say the turtle was dead when they arrived. The animal was seen laying upside down in a pool of blood.