About this episode

Aphrodite Jones returns to discuss the fatal dog mauling of Diane Whipple and its legal implications.

Bestselling true crime author and investigative journalist Aphrodite Jones returns to Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum to discuss her book Dog O’ War and the fatal 2001 dog mauling of Diane Whipple in San Francisco. Drawing on her extensive reporting on the case, Aphrodite details the connections to the Aryan Brotherhood, the Presa Canario dogs Bane and Hera, and the attorneys whose relationship with an incarcerated gang member helped bring the dangerous animals into a Pacific Heights apartment building. Sheryl and Aphrodite also discuss the prior warning signs, the legal fight over owner responsibility, and the concept of implied malice murder that became central to Marjorie Knoller’s conviction. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Aphrodite Jones back to Zone 7 (1:45) Dog O’ War and the unusual connections behind the Diane Whipple case (2:30) Aphrodite introduces Diane Whipple, a 33-year-old woman killed outside her San Francisco apartment (4:15) Sharon Smith’s wrongful death fight and the legal impact of Diane’s death (6:45) Presa Canario dogs, Paul Schneider, and the Aryan Brotherhood dog-breeding…

People in this episode

Host: Sheryl McCollum

Guest: Aphrodite Jones

Topics covered

• dog mauling
• legal responsibility
• true crime
• Diane Whipple case
• Presa Canario dogs
• implied malice murder
• gang connections

Keywords

• Diane Whipple
• dog mauling
• Presa Canario
• Marjorie Knoller
• legal fight
• Aryan Brotherhood
• true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Aryan Brotherhood

Products: Dog O’ War

Places: San Francisco, Pacific Heights, Janet’s farm

More episodes of Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

• The Heart Behind the Badge: Eric McCants on Leadership and Service · May 20, 2026 · 27 min
• Ashley Willcott on Child Advocacy, Courtroom Transparency, and Honoring Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson · May 13, 2026 · 39 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum podcast page.