Incident Overview

A tragic event unfolded on October 17, 2022, when Jo Ann Echelbarger, a 73-year-old grandmother, was killed by two pit bulls named Apollo and Echo. These dogs were owned by Susan and Adam Withers and were allowed to roam freely in the common areas of The Reserve at Ashton Village in Ashville, Ohio.

Lawsuit Details

On March 13, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Echelbarger’s family, revealing disturbing details about the circumstances leading to her death. According to the legal documents, Echelbarger had recently moved to the complex and was engaged in gardening at the time of the attack.

The lawsuit claims that the attack was particularly agonizing for Echelbarger, who had a lifelong fear of dogs due to a childhood incident where she had previously been bitten. It states, “Part of Jo Ann’s harm was the extreme and severe conscious physical and mental pain and suffering…” and describes the horrifying nature of the attack, which was partially recorded on video.

Previous Dog Incidents

Prior to the fatal attack, Apollo and Echo had been involved in other troubling incidents. The lawsuit highlights an encounter in October where Apollo attacked another resident and killed their dog. Furthermore, a September court order mandated the Withers’ dogs to leave the community, a directive that had not been enforced.

Cocaine Ingestion Incident

Compounding the situation, records indicate that just weeks before Echelbarger’s death, police were summoned after Echo and Apollo ingested cocaine belonging to Adam Withers. This incident raised serious concerns about the dogs’ management and safety.

Response from Authorities and Legal Representatives

The Ashville Police Department responded to the attack by shooting and ultimately killing the dogs when they continued their aggressive behavior, even after being shot. Echelbarger’s family attorney, Rex H. Elliott, criticized both the residential complex and the Pickaway County Dog Warden for their negligence, stating, “The fact is that if the Dog Warden or Condo Association had done their jobs, Jo Ann Echelbarger would be alive today.”

Conclusion

The tragic case highlights significant issues regarding dog ownership and community safety standards. Echelbarger’s family continues to grieve the loss of a beloved family member, calling attention to the importance of responsible pet ownership in residential areas.