The third attempt didn’t go as she had hoped.
Marjorie Knoller, a former criminal defense attorney, faced a setback last Thursday when California’s parole board denied her request for freedom once again. This marks the third rejection for her in connection with the tragic incident involving a fatal dog attack on a college lacrosse coach over 20 years ago. She’s now looking at a new parole hearing in February 2029.
Back in January 2001, Knoller and her husband, Robert Noel, gained notoriety after their two large Presa Canario dogs attacked Diane Whipple, their neighbor, as she returned home from grocery shopping in San Francisco.
Whipple, only 33, was overpowered by Bane, a 125-pound dog, and Hera, weighing in at 115 pounds. Prosecutors described the dogs as “ticking time bombs.” The couple had been caring for Bane on behalf of a client, a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, who was serving a life sentence.
Locals had raised concerns about Bane’s temperament, giving it the ominous nickname “Dog of Death,” as noted by media sources.
Whipple, who was originally from Long Island, New York, was coaching lacrosse in the Bay Area when the tragic attack occurred. Following the incident, both dogs were euthanized.
Sharon Smith, Whipple’s partner at the time, attended last week’s parole hearing and made a strong case against Knoller’s release. “What makes this incredibly difficult is that, 25 years later, Marjorie Knoller still has not fully accepted her role and responsibility for Diane’s avoidable death,” Smith told the board.
She expressed frustration over Knoller’s lack of sincerity, stating, “She has never offered a real apology. She hasn’t shown genuine insight into the decisions that led to this tragedy.”
The parole commission, considering public safety, deemed Knoller an “unreasonable risk,” which contributed to its decision.
Knoller is serving a sentence of 15 years to life for her conviction of second-degree murder, while her husband, who was convicted of manslaughter, passed away in 2018.
