"A lot of people said things about me who don't even know me," said 72-year old Gabriel Pilotti.
He spoke only to FOX 29 News to set the record straight about why he shot to death two dogs that roamed onto his property.
Showing some signs of remorse, he explained, "I regret my actions that took place last week. My over reaction is in the context of what took place here May of 2012 where two dogs brutally mutilated sheep and an alpaca on my property and adjoining neighbors properties."
Pilotti fired his single-shot shotgun at Bernese Mountain dogs Argus and Fiona last week. He's accused of shooting Argus in the head. Then, according to court documents, he reloaded to shoot Fiona as she tried to run away.
The dogs got out of their nearby yard through a hole in the fence and ended up a street over on Pilotti's property, where he keeps sheep that he says he was protecting.
On Friday, the Chester County District Attorney announced charges against Pilotti, which is what the family of Argus and Fiona had hoped for.
Pilotti also had a message for them as he stood alongside his lawyer outside his home Friday night.
"I'm in prayer for Mr. and Mrs. Brock and their 5 beautiful children. I'm sorry for the loss of their two beautiful dogs. I ask for their forgiveness and ask they make available time that I can ask each one of the members of their family for forgiveness of my actions last week," he said.
Pilotti is charged with animal cruelty and reckless endangerment.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
