Woman whose dogs mauled neighbor gets 15 to life

[rem16]

SAN FRANCISCO - A woman whose dogs viciously attacked and killed her neighbor in the hallway of their apartment building seven years ago was sentenced Monday to 15 years to life in prison.

Marjorie Knoller was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2001 mauling death of Dianne Whipple, but a judge later reduced the charge to involuntary manslaughter and sentenced her in 2002 to a four-year prison term.

But the California Supreme Court last year said the trial judge was wrong and sent the case back. Last month, Superior Court Judge Charlotte Woolard reinstated the murder conviction, for which Knoller was sentenced Monday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080922/ap_on_re_us/fatal_dog_mauling

Finally, some justice in this case :zm10:

[Boscorelli]

I remember this case only too well.At last justice although slow was served.
15 years to life for Majorie Knoller is fine with me.This incident could have and should have been prevent;by putting a muzzle on the dogs.Did these dogs attack on command ?? This answer more than likely will never be known.
Dogs instinctly want to please their master and recieve a food reward for behavior.
Dogs are trained for various service occupations,and follow the commands of their handler.

Boscorelli

[Roamer]

I watched that trial on CTV, and we were all shocked when the judge over ruled the jury on the sentence.

[PatC]

I watched that trial on CTV, and we were all shocked when the judge over ruled the jury on the sentence.


I agree. I was glued to the set while this trial was going on.

Remember the attorney flailing around on the floor? :67302: And the smug look on the defendant's face throughout?

I thought ( and still do ) that the judge should have been sanctioned for over ruling the jury on the sentence when any veteran court watcher could tell it was the only verdict possible given the facts.

I am very pleased that the right thing has finally been done. Please tell me she hasn't been free all this time waiting for this sentencing.

[PatC]

I remember this case only too well.At last justice although slow was served.
15 years to life for Majorie Knoller is fine with me.This incident could have and should have been prevent;by putting a muzzle on the dogs.Did these dogs attack on command ?? This answer more than likely will never be known.
Dogs instinctly want to please their master and recieve a food reward for behavior.
Dogs are trained for various service occupations,and follow the commands of their handler.

Boscorelli

I don't think it was ever even suggested by the prosecution that Knoller gave an attack command, she (and/or her husband) just continuously failed to have the dogs under control, a behavior that, given their levels of intelligence and education, is unconscionable.

[Roamer]

The article says she was sentenced in 2002 to four years, Pat, so I don't know if she's been free or not until now.

Yes, I remember the attorney on the floor. And both defendants were detestable. Blaming everything on the victim, even saying it could have been her perfume when they knew very well what their "adopted son" was breeding those dogs for.

[PatC]

The article says she was sentenced in 2002 to four years, Pat, so I don't know if she's been free or not until now.

Yes, I remember the attorney on the floor. And both defendants were detestable. Blaming everything on the victim, even saying it could have been her perfume when they knew very well what their "adopted son" was breeding those dogs for.

Yeah, I wrote that before I read the whole article. It says she served three. I guess I can't complain too much about that.

Those were (are) three weird people! I wonder if she and her husband are still married. I agreed that he was not AS culpable as she, but I thought he should have gotten a more severe sentence than he did.

[Boscorelli]

I am still not satisfied that Knoller did not give a 'command attack' to the dogs.The way they attacked the victum speaks volumes.It is very true that dogs can sense fear in a person;but it was Knoller's responsiblility to have both dogs 'sit or lie down' command untill,Whimple was in her apartment and safe behind closed doors.
This is just another example of my dislike for defense attorneys.Yes the defendant has a right to a fair trial;but when the defense attorney will smear the victum,water down the heinousness of the charge,and even blame the victum;I'm only very happy every time they lose a case.

Boscorelli

[nanabillie]

I think I did hear someone say that Knoller "might" have given an attack command. I don't remember who I heard say it, but pretty sure I did. I know they probably can't say anything for sure, since the crazy woman is the only one still alive. Then again, she may brag about it in prison.

[Boscorelli]

Hi Nanabillie
Marjorie Knoller is not crazy but Evil.These dogs were trained to attack on command;prehaps you did did hear something about her giveing a command.Once the prison term sets in,the inmate does speak about their crimes to other inmates.
Even if this may be true,she has been convicted of murder;she was given a 15 year to life sentence.85% of the sentence must be served before she is eligable for her first parole hearing;and that by the way is not gauranteed she will make it. The brutality of this crime speaks volumes: two large powerfull dogs against one woman
Diane Whimple's partner will testify and speak against Knoller's being granted parole.

Boscorelli

[emmeblu]

I too remember this case well. So glad she is going to spend this time in prison. I think this is a "bad woman" and I have always had my doubts about why the dogs attacked. JMO