Death of Elisa Pilarski: the dog of her companion questioned by the experts

Two veterinarians, mandated by justice, concluded that only the dog that Elisa Pilarski was walking then was at the origin of her death in a forest of the Aisne in November 2019, said Sunday the defense of the companion of the young woman , relativizing the scope of these conclusions. 

"A hemorrhage following several bites"

Going for a walk on November 16 with the dog Curtis belonging to her companion, Elisa Pilarski, aged 29 and pregnant, was found dead in the forest of Retz, where a hound hunt was organized in parallel.

According to the autopsy, the death was caused by "a hemorrhage following several bites" from one or more dogs.

In order to identify the responsible animal (s), genetic samples were taken from 67 dogs: the five American Staffordshires of Elisa Pilarski and her companion Christophe Ellul, and 62 others belonging to the Rallye la Passion association.

While the results of these analyzes are still awaited, the Company of Hunting reported the conclusions of the two veterinarians, incriminating according to it exclusively Curtis.

"It is an indictment, not an expert report. It is very surprising on the part of veterinarians to lead to something so categorical", responded to AFP the lawyer of Christophe Ellul, Alexandre Novion.

"Public opinion has been absorbing recurrent attacks against (Christophe) Ellul and his dog for months," he laments, reserving the right to request a second opinion.

"Contrary to what the opposing party says, mass is not said".

"Curtis killed Elisa Pilarski"

The Hunting Society is categorical on the exclusion of hunting dogs with hounds by the two experts, citing extracts from the report.

"The dog Curtis was the sole perpetrator of the bites that caused the death," the two vets wrote, according to the Company's statement.

"The individualizable bites are compatible with the jawbone of Curtis alone and not of hunting dogs."

According to Guillaume Demarcq, lawyer for the crew master of the Rallye La Passion, "there is no longer, if there ever was one, Elisa Pilarski mystery."

"Curtis killed Elisa Pilarski. There is no possible dispute over the scenario of the drama," he said to AFP.

"Nothing can stop this dog when he starts to bite."

Even if the DNA of the hunting dogs were found on the victim's body, he said, it could not be concluded that they bit or killed her.