Rudy (avatar) killed in middle of the day!

My sweet little roo, Rudy was killed today. My DH said Rudy (BBR OEGB) was happily pecking and scratching in that area when he left today around 1:15pm and I went out to secure the coop at 4:45! He didn't come in to roost so I went looking for him. His body was found in front of the dogs pen about 15 feet toward the house in an area about 25 yards from the garage/house. His head was gone to the crop and a small bit was eaten from his back. Otherwise, he was intact. The other birds (BSL hens and guineas) seemed undisturbed. The dogs were still locked in the pen (banished there during the day for killing guineas.) I work nights and was sleeping but you would think I would have heard the dogs and guineas if there was and attack going on! I have to guess it was a raccoon but can't believe I didn't hear a commotion. My lab is a raccoon killing fool and can bring down full grown male coons with no major problems. He hates them and would surely kick up enough fuss that a coon wouldn't just sit there and eat my bird in front of him!?! I thought it might be a stray dog because the birds would be less afraid of a dog and my dogs tend to play with strange dogs more than run them off, but wouldn't a dog tear him up more and spread feathers everywhere?! Any thoughts on what happened to my beautiful little guy? I miss him, he was such a charmer...

 

Are you fairly certain it was a coon? We do have those around here... (slowly turning from sad to angry)