A grand jury convened Friday morning to explore charges against the couple caring for the dogs at the time of the attack. One of the two lead police inspectors in the case, who have done most of the investigative legwork, also appeared. Mike Becker was there to answer any questions the jurors might have. Reporters were kept at a distance. Witnesses were ushered in secretly.
Witness testimony is crucial.
Prosecutors hope their stories of being attacked by, or witnessing aggression in, Hera and Bane will convince jurors the dogs' caretakers, Marjorie Knoller and Robert Noel, knew their dogs were dangerous before the animals killed Diane Whipple. These charges are punishable with up to eight years in prison. They know the dogs have a tendency to be vicious, to attack. They didn't provide adequate safeguards. The dogs were allowed to run free.