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.)…