"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.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:13 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:13:26 GMT
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
Monday, May 20 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-20 20:38:01 GMT
A century-old community staple in Cherry Hill was up for auction Monday. The Woodcrest Country Club has experienced some financial problems recently, and after efforts from the township and the Freeholders
Cherry Hill's Woodcrest Country Club went up for auction Monday, with a pending sale in place after an offer from a Marlton-based developer.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:33 GMT
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Monday, May 20 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:22:16 GMT
Tuesday morning will feature another round patchy fog. It will be a mild and muggy start with temps in the mid 60s for the city and around 60 for the suburbs. Look for more clouds than sun with highs the low 80s. There could be a few spotty showers during the day.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:21:09 GMT
A picture taken of the rare Ben Franklin bust, valued at $3 million. The bust was stolen from a Brywn Mawr home in August.
A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.Andrea Lawton, 47, of Mobile, Ala.,
A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.Andrea Lawton, 47, of Mobile, Ala.,
