Story Outline

Grand Jury Indicts Couple in Dog Mauling From a news story by CNN San Francisco Reporter Rusty Dornin March 27, 2001

I. Two dogs mauled Diane Whipple and killed her right outside her apartment.

A. The dogs were being cared for by two attorneys, Robert Noel and Marjorie Knoller
B. The dogs mauled Diane Whipple so badly that animal control officers were stunned.

1. They couldn’t even see any clothing; the clothes had been ripped off the victim.
2. There were only shredded bits of cloth, clumps of hair, and blood.

II. The dogs’ caretakers suggested that Ms. Whipple had caused the attack.

A. They suggested that her perfume or possible steroid use provoked the dogs.
B. They said that the dogs weren’t barking or being aggressive until Ms. Whipple hit Ms. Knoller.

III. The grand jury charged both Mr. Noel and Ms. Knoller with criminal charges.

A. The grand jury was convinced that the dogs’ caretakers knew the dogs were dangerous.
B. There was evidence that the dogs had been aggressive in the recent past.
C. The dogs’ caretakers have been charged with several counts: second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and having a mischievous animal that kills a human.

IV. The dogs’ caretakers face criminal and civil charges

A. Sharon Smith, Ms. Whipple’s domestic partner, has filed a wrongful death suit in civil court.
B. Prosecutors in criminal court say they hope the dogs’ caretakers will be found to be responsible for the actions of their dogs.

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