Man to Stand Trial After Dog Kills Pregnant Partner in Tragic Mauling Case

A Case That Shocked France

On November 16, 2019, Elisa Pilarski, 29 and six months pregnant, was found dead in a forest near Saint-Pierre-d’Aigle, in northern France. She had been walking alone with Curtis, her partner’s dog, when the tragic mauling occurred.

The autopsy concluded she died from massive hemorrhaging caused by multiple bites. For months, confusion reigned as investigators explored several leads—including nearby hunting dogs that were in the area during a hunt.

The Verdict on Curtis

Eventually, a detailed forensic investigation determined that Curtis, an American Pitbull Terrier, was solely responsible for the fatal injuries. DNA analysis and bite comparisons ruled out any involvement from other dogs.

The dog, originally imported illegally from a breeder in the Netherlands, was described by prosecutors as “dangerous.” Not only was the breed banned in France without proper authorization, but Curtis had also shown signs of aggression in the past.

Why the Partner Will Stand Trial

Christophe Ellul, the dog's owner and Elisa’s partner, is accused of involuntary manslaughter. According to the public prosecutor in Soissons, he knowingly left Elisa in the care of a powerful and unstable dog, despite her being pregnant and unfamiliar with Curtis’s full behavioral history.

The court argues this exposed her to a serious and avoidable risk. The trial, scheduled for March 3 and 4, 2026, will aim to determine Ellul’s responsibility in the fatal chain of events.

Justice—and Closure—After Years of Questions

This long-awaited trial may finally bring clarity and accountability in a case that has haunted both the victim’s family and the public for years. With the hunting dogs definitively cleared of involvement, attention now turns solely to the choices made by the man closest to Elisa—and the legal implications of owning a dangerous, illegally imported pet.