Stephen A. Zappala Jr., District Attorney
Allegheny County District Attorney's Office
Room 303 Courthouse, 436 Grant Street
ph: 412-350-4400
email: ,
Allegheny County District Attorney's Office
Room 401 Courthouse, 436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh PA 15219
Deborah Jugan, Esq., 412-350-4406
Jennifer B. Evashavik, Esq., 412-350-5657
fax: 412-350-3125
email:
Allegheny County District Attorney's Office:
I write to inquire about William Woodson, 22, a Bridgeville resident who killed his girlfriend Christine Gielarowski’s puppy before a Steelers football game televised on November 22, 2009. Specifically, I’d appreciate any updates in this case and trust that efforts are underway to seek maximum penalties for animal cruelty.
As you know, Woodson kicked a 13-week-old pit bull, Flip, and then flung him into the air. The small pup crashed into the ground so violently, he spun another 25 feet down the street. Witness Mario Belcastro testified at Woodson’s hearing that he found the dog in death seizures with his tongue dangling.
According to Criminal Docket CP-02-CR-0018170-2009 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Woodson awaits nonjury trial in June 2010 and is charged with two counts of Cruelty to Animals plus one count for Criminal Conspiracy Engaging - Cruelty To Animals. Pennsylvania’s anti-cruelty provisions limit “Killing, maiming...a domestic animal” to a misdemeanor. Still, I urge you to pursue at least $1000 in fines and two years jail time for this brutal crime. Please ensure Woodson undergoes psychological evaluation and is barred from possessing or living with animals.
Woodson admitted that Flip “misbehaved” prior to a Steelers game and Gielarowski told police her boyfriend kicked the dog because the animal hesitated on their walk. As Flip lay dying, Woodson walked away.
An unremorseful attacker who commits violence against victims unlikely to retaliatemay derive feelings of power and control. Regardless of the victim’s identity, these perpetrators are at higher risk of aggression in domestic disputes with spouses, children, and other vulnerable victims, says ASPCA animal behaviorist Dr. Randall Lockwood, who consults with cruelty investigators, police and mental health professionals.
Woodson was rightfully held for trial after his preliminary hearing last November, and Gielarowski faces charges for animal cruelty, obstructing arrest and prosecution, and giving police false identification. I hope you hold these individuals accountable in Flip’s death and also recognize the gravity of animal cruelty crimes. Violence is violence, and if he hasn’t already, Woodson will lash out again.
Sincerely,