Lawsuit Alleges Negligence Led to Ohio Grandmother’s Gruesome Death by Pit Bulls
A recently filed lawsuit alleges a tragic confluence of negligence and reckless behavior culminated in the horrific death of an elderly Ohio woman, who was mauled to death by two pit bulls with a known history of aggression. Jo Ann Echelbarger, 73, a resident of The Reserve at Ashton Village, a residential complex in Ashville, Ohio, was brutally attacked and killed by the dogs, named Apollo and Echo, on October 17th of last year. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Echelbarger’s family on March 13th, paints a disturbing picture of a community and authorities seemingly indifferent to the danger posed by these animals.
The suit names Susan and Adam Withers, the owners of the pit bulls, as defendants, but also points a finger at the residential complex and the Pickaway County Dog Warden, arguing that their inaction directly contributed to Echelbarger’s death. The lawsuit details how the two pit bulls were allowed to roam freely within the common areas of The Reserve, despite a documented history of aggressive incidents. On the day of the attack, Echelbarger was peacefully gardening when the dogs descended upon her, unleashing a savage assault that ultimately claimed her life.
The lawsuit emphasizes the immense physical and emotional suffering Echelbarger endured during the attack, describing it as "extreme and severe conscious physical and mental pain." The filing further notes the existence of graphic video footage that captured the gruesome nature of the attack, imagery so disturbing that it is difficult to even contemplate. Adding to the tragedy is the revelation that Echelbarger harbored a lifelong fear of dogs, stemming from a childhood dog bite incident. The terror she must have experienced in her final moments is unimaginable.
According to the lawsuit, the dogs’ aggression was so intense that responding police officers were forced to shoot and kill them to stop the attack. Even after being struck by bullets, one of the dogs reportedly returned to Echelbarger and continued the assault before retreating into the Withers’ residence.
The lawsuit alleges that the October attack was not an isolated incident. The document lists multiple instances of violent or disruptive behavior involving Apollo and Echo. One notable event occurred in October 2023, when Apollo attacked a resident’s dog, resulting in the animal’s death. This incident should have served as a clear warning sign, highlighting the inherent danger the dogs posed to the community.
Further compounding the negligence, the lawsuit claims that a court order issued on September 11th mandated the removal of the Withers’ dogs from the community. However, this order was never enforced, leaving residents vulnerable to the animals’ aggression.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation within the lawsuit is the allegation that, just three weeks before Echelbarger’s death, police were called to the Withers’ home because "Echo and Apollo had ingested Adam Withers’ cocaine." The lawsuit states that body camera footage from the incident reveals that the Ashville Police Department contacted the Dog Warden’s Office, but received no assistance. The fact that these dogs, already known for their violent tendencies, were also ingesting illicit substances raises serious questions about the Withers’ ability to responsibly care for them and the lack of oversight from relevant authorities.
Rex H. Elliott, the attorney representing Echelbarger’s family, issued a statement condemning the alleged negligence of the residential complex and the Pickaway County Dog Warden. He asserted that Echelbarger would still be alive if these entities had fulfilled their responsibilities. Elliott stated, "The fact is that if the Dog Warden or Condo Association had done their jobs, Jo Ann Echelbarger would be alive today and her family would not have to live with this profound loss or the constant memory of the horrific nature in which she was killed." He further emphasized that these alleged failures resulted in the death of a "wonderful 73-year-old wife, mother, and grandmother."
The lawsuit aims to hold those responsible for Echelbarger’s death accountable and seeks to provide some measure of justice for her grieving family. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for pet ownership regulations, the enforcement of court orders related to dangerous animals, and the responsibility of residential communities and animal control agencies to protect residents from foreseeable harm.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible pet ownership, inadequate animal control measures, and a lack of community oversight. It underscores the need for stricter regulations, more proactive enforcement, and a greater emphasis on public safety to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The pain and suffering endured by Jo Ann Echelbarger and her family are a testament to the devastating impact that dangerous animals can have on a community. This lawsuit seeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that meaningful steps are taken to prevent such a horrific event from ever happening again.
