ASHVILLE, Ohio — Authorities have announced felony charges following the death of a local woman who was mauled by dogs while doing yard work outside her home. The tragic incident occurred on October 17, when JoAnn Echelbarger was attacked by two canines on Kildow Court. She was rushed to Grant Hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Ashville police officers responded to the scene, where they shot and killed one of the dogs. The second dog fled, prompting a public alert. The animal was later found near Teays Valley East Middle School, where it attacked and killed another dog before police fatally shot it as well.
On Monday, Prosecutor Judy Wolford announced that two individuals, Adam Withers and his mother Susan Withers, both of 665 Kildow Court, were arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and failure to restrain a vicious dog.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.