A Wyoming police chief's teenage daughter faces serious criminal charges after being accused of poisoning her roommate's dog, leading to the animal's euthanasia.
Allegations of Deliberate Poisoning
Allie Erspamer, 19, has been charged with one count of felony animal cruelty for allegedly spraying bleach on treats that were fed to her roommate's pit bull, Lilly. The case has drawn significant attention due to Allie's father, Bill Erspamer, serving as police chief of Rock Springs, a medium-sized town near Wyoming's southern border.
The investigation began in April when Hallie Blake, 19, reported to police that her dog had been poisoned after suffering mysterious seizures for approximately one month. Hallie's mother, Shalane Blake, revealed in an interview that Lilly's health deteriorated rapidly after the seizures began.
"We paid thousands of dollars in vet bills trying to get her saved," Shalane told Cowboy State Daily. The family initially found the veterinarian's suggestion of poisoning "outlandish" until evidence emerged suggesting otherwise.
Digital Evidence and Suspicious Behaviour
The case took a significant turn when Hallie discovered that Allie had allegedly been messaging a friend on Snapchat about poisoning. A subsequent search warrant uncovered conversations discussing spraying bleach on Lilly's treats.
According to an affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, Allie also reportedly asked Snapchat's artificial intelligence function whether an autopsy on a dog could detect antifreeze poisoning and how long it would take for bleach to kill a dog.
Hallie told investigators that Allie had "expressed distaste" for her dog shortly after the young women moved in together at the beginning of the year. The situation became more complicated when, around the same time Lilly began suffering seizures, the dog had bitten Allie, though Shalane clarified the bite didn't break skin but left a red mark on Allie's lip.
Tragic Outcome and Legal Proceedings
In April, Hallie made the difficult decision to euthanise Lilly after receiving devastating news that the dog was suffering from kidney failure. Dr Margaret White informed investigators that the dog's remains were sent to the State Veterinary Crime Lab for a necropsy.
The report conclusively determined that Lilly had experienced kidney failure from antifreeze poisoning, confirming the family's worst suspicions.
Allie was formally charged in October and is currently out on bond awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 26. She has not yet entered a plea.
Due to her father's position as police chief, the case is being handled with special precautions to avoid conflicts of interest. Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich will prosecute the case instead of the Sweetwater County Attorney's Office, while a judge from the Pinedale Circuit Court will review the case rather than a Rock Springs judge.
In a surprising show of compassion, Hallie expressed concern about backlash against Allie's father, telling Cowboy State Daily: "One thing I feel strongly about is how much hate her dad is getting. Bill's always been great to me. And I know Bill's a good person. I feel bad because he's getting hate for something he didn't do."
Hallie reflected on the emotional impact of the situation, noting she had not only lost her dog but also her friend. She described how Allie had waited with her at the vet's office, allegedly leading her to believe she cared about the dog's survival.
"It was the realisation that someone I loved so deeply could do something so cruel, and hide it from me," she wrote. "It broke me in a way I've never experienced."
Hallie shared text messages with the publication, including a screenshot from Allie denying she had hurt the dog, which never received a response.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Chief Bill Erspamer, Allie's legal representation, Hallie Blake, and the prosecuting attorney for comment as the case continues to develop.
