ASHVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — The family of a Pickaway County woman who was killed by two dogs in October is taking legal action, hoping it leads to change.  

Jo Ann Echelbarger, 73, was a beloved mother and grandmother of six grandchildren. 

As of mid-October, she had only lived in her condo at The Reserve At Ashton Village in the village of Ashville for about four months, according to her children. They said she moved there to downsize and make life easier.  

“She was the glue that held our family together,” Echelbarger’s son Bill Rogers said. “When you’re in need she was right there to help you, when you accomplished something she was your biggest fan.” 

During a press conference announcing a civil lawsuit Wednesday, Echelbarger’s children said their mother made it her life’s mission to take care of her husband, their stepfather. But on Oct. 17, 2024, while outside gardening, she was attacked and killed by two pit bulls. 

“She did not deserve this, she was tortured, she suffered, and it’s not ok and something has to change. This can never happen again,” Earlene Romine, Echelbarger’s daughter, said. 

Susan and Adam Withers, the owners of the dogs, were found guilty of multiple charges including involuntary manslaughter.  

Echelbarger’s loved ones and their lawyers said her death could have been avoided.

“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.” 

A lawsuit was filed Wednesday against the Pickaway County dog warden, the condominium association for the Reserve At Ashton Village, and the property management company. It detailed a history of issues with the pit bulls’ owners and the dogs including leash warnings from the condo association and previous attacks of other dogs and people. The month before Echelbarger was killed, the condominium association was issued a court order for the pit bulls to be removed. 

But that did not happen.  

“This case involves the most vicious and savage dog mauling in the history of the state of Ohio and perhaps beyond,” Elliott said. “The primary defendants in this lawsuit are those who has the responsibility to remove extremely dangerous pit bulls from the community.” 

Romine said her mother was the rock of the family. They are carrying on her traditions and want steps to be taken so no one else has to go through a loss like this. 

“My mom lost her life and it needs to mean something,” 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.” 

The Pickaway County Prosecutor is representing the county in this matter. The prosecutor said there is no comment at this time because of the pending litigation. 

Brad. J. Terman, an attorney for the condominium association, sent the following statement:  

“Jo Ann Echelbarger’s death is a tragedy, and the horrific circumstances have devastated the Reserve at Ashton Village Community.  This situation is heartbreaking, and the Association understands that Mrs. Echelbarger’s family is dedicated to holding those responsible to account and bringing about positive change. The condominium association, however, is an organization run by volunteer board members, not a law enforcement agency with the authority and training to take immediate action to protect public safety.  The responsibility for this attack lies with the owners of the dogs, not with the condominium association, which is the only party that took any action to attempt to secure the removal of these animals. Since the condominium association is now a defendant in a civil lawsuit, it will not comment further and will speak through its filings in that case.”