Lawsuit Reveals Negligence and Gruesome Details in Pit Bull Attack
Warning: This story contains graphic content.
Last year, a tragic incident occurred at The Reserve at Ashton Village in Ashville, Ohio, where two pit bulls brutally mauled and killed 73-year-old Jo Ann Echelbarger. Recent court documents reveal shocking details about the incident, including the fact that the dogs had a history of violent behavior and even had access to cocaine prior to the attack.
Despite their aggressive nature, the pit bulls named Apollo and Echo were allowed to roam freely in the residential complex. On October 17, they attacked Jo Ann while she was peacefully gardening. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Echelbarger’s family, describes the intense physical and mental pain she endured before her death. Disturbing videos captured some of the most horrifying moments of the attack.
What makes the tragedy even more heartbreaking is that Jo Ann had a lifelong fear of dogs, stemming from a childhood dog bite. The lawsuit emphasizes the terror she experienced during her final moments. The police were eventually forced to shoot and kill the dogs to put an end to the relentless attack. Shockingly, even after being shot, one of the dogs returned to Jo Ann and continued attacking before retreating back into the Withers’ home.
This was not the first time the dogs had displayed aggressive behavior. The lawsuit reveals previous incidents, including an attack on a resident and the killing of another dog in October 2023. In fact, a court order had been issued on September 11, ordering the Withers’ dogs to leave the community, but it had not been enforced.
Three weeks before the fatal attack, police were called to the scene because the dogs had ingested cocaine that belonged to their owner, Adam Withers. Body camera footage shows that the police tried to involve the Dog Warden’s Office, but their efforts were in vain.
The attorney representing Echelbarger’s family, Rex H. Elliott, accuses the residential complex and the Pickaway County Dog Warden of neglect in handling the situation. He firmly believes that if they had taken proper action, Jo Ann would still be alive today. The attorney highlights the profound loss experienced by Echelbarger’s family and the constant reminder of the horrific nature in which she was killed.
As of now, there has been no response from the attorneys representing the Withers.
