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CNN Live Today

Jury Makes Decision in Dog Mauling Case

Aired March 21, 2002 - 14:42   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Again, less than two hours away now from the dog-mauling verdict in L.A. Straight out now to Thelma Gutierrez, who is watching this trial from the very beginning, and now joins us live with an update. Thelma, good afternoon.

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Bill. Right now, we are told the jurors are taking an extended lunch break. The attorneys on both sides, taking a break, before those announcements are made.

Now, from the first moment that the case went to the jury, Superior Court Judge James Warren has told the jurors they had a big job ahead. They have five decisions to make with two different defendants. After 11 hours of deliberations, the jury has finally decided the fate of Marjorie Knoller and her husband, Robert Noel.

The verdicts, however, will not be read for another two hours. The judge said he wanted to give the family members and friends who have been watching this very emotional trial a chance to be in the courtroom when the verdicts are read.

Now, here are the charges against 46-year-old Marjorie Knoller. Count one, second degree murder. That carries a prison sentence of 15 years to life. Count two, involuntary manslaughter. That carries a prison sentence of up to four years. And count three, owning a mischievous animal that kills. That's a felony. It carries a prison time of 16 months to three years.

Now, the two charges against her husband, 60-year-old Robert Noel: Count two, involuntary manslaughter, again, up to four years in prison. Count three, owning a mischievous animal that kills, a felony that carries a sentence of up to three years.

Now, if Marjorie Knoller is found guilty, she will be the first person convicted of murder in the state of California for the actions of her dogs. That's something everybody is watching right now. Again, Bill, those verdicts read in about two hours. Back to you.

HEMMER: All right, Thelma, thank you.

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