Dogs Involved in Fatal Attack Had Cocaine in Their Systems
Ashville, Idaho – Two dogs that fatally mauled a 73-year-old woman in Ashville, Idaho last year had cocaine in their systems, according to pathology reports obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
On October 17, 2024, Apollo and Echo, two 6-year-old male dogs belonging to Susan Withers and her son, Adam Withers, escaped from their condo and attacked Jo Ann Echelbarger, who was gardening outside her home next door. Echelbarger succumbed to her injuries within minutes of the attack.
Police shot and killed both dogs at the scene. Subsequent necropsies conducted by veterinarians at Ohio State University revealed trace amounts of norcocaine, a cocaine metabolite, in the dogs’ liver samples, confirming cocaine exposure.
Owners Convicted of Failure to Confine Dog and Involuntary Manslaughter
Following the attack, a jury convicted Susan and Adam Withers of four counts of failure to confine a dog and two counts of involuntary manslaughter. About three weeks prior to the fatal incident, Adam Withers was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct. During the arrest, police found him acting erratically and discovered his dogs running loose in the condo complex where they lived. Withers also admitted to using cocaine in his garage.
Previous Dog Bite Incidents and Dangerous Dog Designation
Prior to the fatal attack, Apollo had attacked Kimberlee Black and her Goldendoodle puppy, Nemo, in the same condo complex. Black sustained fractures and lacerations, while Nemo had to be euthanized due to his injuries. The attack prompted the local dog warden to designate Apollo as a dangerous dog, imposing stricter requirements on the Withers.
Under Ohio law, dog owners are liable for their pets’ actions, and owners of dangerous dogs must adhere to specific regulations. These regulations include ensuring the dogs are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. Dangerous dogs must also be kept in locked enclosures when the owners are not present, and they must be muzzled and on a 6-foot leash when walked.
Civil Lawsuit and Legal Proceedings
The condo association where the Withers lived filed a civil lawsuit in April, seeking the removal of the dogs. Court records show that the association had sent several letters to the Withers, warning them to keep their dogs on a leash and addressing previous incidents of biting.
The earlier attack on Black and her puppy played a crucial role in the more severe charges against the Withers in the Echelbarger case. Fernando Cervantes Jr., a reporter for USA TODAY, noted that the previous incident set the stage for the prosecution to pursue involuntary manslaughter charges.
