Diane Whipple's Killer Denied Parole for Third Time

Marjorie Knoller, whose dogs fatally mauled Whipple in 2001, will remain in prison until at least 2029.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Marjorie Knoller, the woman whose dogs killed Diane Whipple in a brutal 2001 mauling in San Francisco, has been denied parole for the third time. Knoller was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the attack, which shocked the Bay Area. She will now be eligible for parole again in 2029, when she is 73 years old.

Why it matters

The Whipple case was one of the most high-profile and disturbing incidents in San Francisco history, sparking outrage over the owners' negligence and the aggressive nature of the dogs involved. Knoller's repeated denials of parole reflect the ongoing impact of the tragedy and the community's desire to see her serve her full sentence.

The details

On January 26, 2001, Diane Whipple, a 34-year-old lacrosse teacher, was attacked and killed by two Presa Canario dogs owned by Knoller and her husband, Robert Noel. The couple were caring for the dogs on behalf of their client, a member of the Aryan Brotherhood serving a life sentence. Knoller was present during the attack and did not call 911, leading to her conviction on second-degree murder charges. Noel, who was not present, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Knoller has now been denied parole three times, with the parole board citing her as an "unreasonable risk to public safety."

  • Diane Whipple was killed on January 26, 2001.
  • Marjorie Knoller was denied parole for the third time on February 15, 2026.
  • Knoller will be eligible for parole again in February 2029, when she is 73 years old.

The players

Diane Whipple

A 34-year-old lacrosse teacher who was killed by two Presa Canario dogs in 2001.

Marjorie Knoller

The owner of the dogs that killed Diane Whipple, Knoller was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Robert Noel

Knoller's husband, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the 2001 attack.

Sharon Smith

Knoller's longtime partner, who spoke at the latest parole hearing and expressed her belief that Knoller should remain incarcerated.

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What they’re saying

“She has never offered a sincere apology. She has never demonstrated genuine insight into the decisions that led to this tragedy.”

— Sharon Smith, Knoller's longtime partner (Bay Area Reporter)

What’s next

Knoller will be eligible for parole again in February 2029, when she is 73 years old.

The takeaway

The Diane Whipple case remains one of the most shocking and disturbing incidents in San Francisco history, and the community's desire to see Knoller serve her full sentence reflects the ongoing impact of the tragedy.