Breed of Peace: Mother, Son sentenced to at least 14 YEARS each for dog attack on neighbor

quote:

---

A mother and son who were found guilty in the death of a woman who was brutally attacked by a dog will each serve at least 14 years in prison.

In the trial of Adam and Susan Withers, the two were found guilty in February on all six charges filed, including involuntary manslaughter

---

quote:

---

On Wednesday they were each sentenced to 11-to-16.5 years for involuntary manslaughter, 18 months for failing to confine or restrain a vicious dog and 18 months for failing to keep a vicious dog under reasonable control. The sentences are to run concurrently, totaling at least 14 years and up to 19.5 years in prison.

---

quote:

---

Those charges stem from the death of 73-year-old JoAnn Echelbarger, who was tending to her flower bed at her Kildow Court home in Ashville where the dogs attacked her. She was taken to a Columbus hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

---

quote:

---

On that day, Ashville police arrived at Echelbarger’s home, where both dogs were located. An officer shot and killed one dog, which reportedly became aggressive towards him, but the other dog ran away from the scene.

The second dog allegedly attacked and killed another dog near Teays Valley East Middle School, before being located by deputies with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office. The owner of the dog that was killed was reportedly able to escape.

A deputy reported that he ran over the dog, which was in the vicinity of a park and another residence, which included a dog outside in the yard. The deputy shot and killed the dog before it could attack anyone else, according to the Ashville Police Department

---