MichaelM said, "From a CNN report at the time of the original charges:

" 'Noel and Knoller, both of whom are attorneys, said they were caring for the dogs on behalf of a Pelican Bay Prison inmate, who allegedly ran an illegal attack-dog ring for drug dealers.'

"This is why they are liable for murder charges. They were aware of the background/training of these animals. The previous attacks were warnings that these dogs were weapons beyond their control."

Also, for those who do not know, Noel and Knoller actually legally adopted that prison inmate – as an adult – though I've never read any explanation for thatparticular action. They were definitely "thick as thieves" with some very bad bad-guys, and IMO "depraved heart" is a fair description of their character, not just of their actions with regard to the two dogs.