A teenager from Wyoming faces a serious felony charge for allegedly poisoning her roommate’s dog. The accused, 19-year-old Allie Erspamer, is said to have targeted a pit bull named Lilly back in April. The pet’s owner, Hallie Blake, reached out to the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office after Lilly began experiencing seizures.
Blake reported that Lilly’s condition worsened following the seizures, with symptoms such as collapsing and vomiting. A veterinarian suggested that the dog’s symptoms were consistent with poisoning, raising alarms about foul play.
“We spent thousands on veterinary care trying to save her,” explained Blake’s mother, Shalane, to Cowboy State Daily. The heavy financial burden highlights the severity of the situation.
Documents obtained by the news outlet reveal that in March, Erspamer claimed that Lilly had bitten her, resulting in minor injuries. However, Shalane expressed skepticism about these allegations, doubting the dog’s involvement. According to court records shared by Sweetwater Now, Blake had adopted Lilly in December 2024. Erspamer, who moved in with Blake the following month, reportedly showed a “distaste” for the dog.
According to an affidavit obtained by the outlet, SCSO investigators stated that in March, Erspamer claimed Lily bit her, causing superficial wounds.
Shalane said she had doubts about the pup biting Erspamer. Court documents obtained by Sweetwater Now stated that Blake adopted the dog in December 2024, and that the defendant, who moved in with Blake the following month, expressed “expressed distaste” for Lily.
A veterinarian later told the Blake family that Lily had kidney failure, and recommended euthanizing her. The family agreed, and Lily’s remains were sent for a necropsy at the State Veterinary Crime Lab in Laramie.
The lab report indicated that Lily had been poisoned with antifreeze.
Snapchat messages allegedly revealed that Erspamer told someone she had given Lily treats “that were sprayed with bleach,” according to Sweetwater Now. She then allegedly discussed how to avoid detection with another friend.
While using Snapchat’s AI assistant, Erspamer made search queries that include:
- “can an autopsy on a dog show antifreeze poisoning?”
- “what about bleach?”
- “how long would it take for bleach to kill a dog?”
In September, Erspamer’s friend was charged with accessory after the fact, but the case has been dismissed without prejudice.
Erspamer, identified as the daughter of Rock Springs Police Chief Bill Erspamer, has a scheduled preliminary hearing for November 26.
Meanwhile, Hallie Blake told Cowboy Daily on Monday that the defendant’s father is a good person who has been facing backlash over his daughter’s alleged actions.
“One thing I feel strongly about is how much hate her dad is getting,” she said.
“I understand that (news stories) saying ‘chief of police’s daughter’ catches the eye, and people in the comments (seize on it). But Bill’s always been great to me. And I know Bill’s a good person.”
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Hallie Blake and Lilly/Facebook]
