The family of an Ohio grandma who was killed by drugged pitbulls in October is seeking justice. JoAnn Echelbarger, 73, had her life tragically taken from her while she was gardening at her Ashville home last fall. The incident occurred when Echelbarger was working in her yard, and her neighbor’s two pit bulls, Echo and Apollo, brutally attacked the beloved mother and grandmother. Jo Ann’s husband was unable to help her due to being wheelchair-bound and suffering from dementia. It was later found that the dogs had cocaine in their system at the time of the attack.
The dogs were eventually shot and killed by the police due to their violent nature. One even reportedly continued to attack even after being shot, per Express. After investigation, it was revealed that the pit bulls were drugged on cocaine belonging to their owners, which likely led to the Ohio grandmother being tragically killed. Jo Ann Echelbarger’s family is seeking justice against the neighbors, Susan Withers and her son, Adam Withers.
Before Jo Ann’s death, there were multiple complaints about the dogs from the homeowner’s association. One resident, Kimberlee Black, says that the dogs even killed her puppy in October 2023. Finally, a judge ordered that the dogs be removed. However, just weeks later, Echelbarger was dead.
Family Of Ohio Woman Killed By Drugged Pitbulls Files Lawsuit
After the attack, Susan and Adam were both found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. However, Echelbarger’s family says that the neglect goes beyond the owners of the dogs. It also extends to the dog warden and the association of the condominium where Jo Ann and her husband lived (via Fox 8.)
“Make no mistake, this was a senseless and preventable tragedy,” Rex Elliott, the attorney representing Echelbarger’s family, said. “Had the dog warden, the condominium association, or the property management company done their jobs, Jo Ann would be alive and with her family today.”
The family has now filed a civil lawsuit in hopes of not only getting justice for their loved one, but also to see change and prevent other tragedies from happening in the future.
“My mom lost her life and it needs to mean something,” Jo Ann’s daughter, Earlene Romaine, said. “Something good needs to come of that and what that it is is change. Change that’s going to help somebody else. That’s what we want.”
“Such a brutal death in her own yard,” one person commented on the story.
“Yes, sue EVERYONE involved in this senseless tragedy,” another said.
“So sad that easily could have been prevented,” a third comment read.
The Ohio grandmother will never be forgotten by her family. However, after being killed by drugged pit bulls, the spotlight has been cast on dog ownership responsibility and the dangers of uncontrolled animals. Jo Ann Echelberg’s family is now seeking to make a change.
