{short description of image}
help-for-you News .PRT21-8Article.html 8
 Note the UTC time and source of information.
. Thursday, 21 March, 2002


California Couple Found Guilty in Dog Mauling Death

VOA News
22 Mar 2002
Email this article to a friend.Printer Friendly Version

A Los Angeles jury has found the owners of two dogs that attacked and killed a neighbor guilty on all counts. 

The jury convicted Marjorie Knoller of second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and owning a mischievous animal that kills. She faces 15 years to life in prison for the murder count. 

Her husband, Robert Noel, was convicted of manslaughter. He faces four years in jail. The California couple will be sentenced at a later date. 

A large and powerful Presa Canario dog that belonged to the couple attacked and mauled to death their neighbor, Diane Whipple, in San Francisco last year. It is unclear what prompted the dog to attack. During the trial, prosecutors showed gruesome pictures of Ms. Whipple's body after her death. They called the couple's Presa Canario dogs "time bombs" and brought out more than 30 witnesses who said the animals would snarl at them. 

Defense lawyers said Knoller threw herself between Ms. Whipple and the attacking dog. Noel, who was not present at the attack, had called his dogs gentle animals and said there was no warning they would kill. 

Both dogs have been destroyed. 

Sharon Smith, Ms. Whipple's domestic partner, has filed a civil suit against Knoller and Noel. 

Some information for this report provided by AP.

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version