Blog

The tides are about to turn

For the many of us around the country who have supported Andrea throughout this horrible ordeal, it’s starting to become clear that the truth can actually prevail in this case.

It gives me hope to see a voice being given to the other side of this story and to see the true colors of some of the corrupt people involved come to the surface. Lawyers after fame and money have perpetuated this case because they refused to look at the real evidence sitting in front of them. They saw a situation where a husband was killed and his wife worked with the killer. They made the assumption that all situations must follow the same simple pattern, and coincidentally that pattern also yielded them money and/or TV interviews.

These people put blinders on to the truth.

They didn’t want to hear it because the truth didn’t serve their purposes.

However, the recent hearing is forcing them to take those blinders off. ANDREA IS INNOCENT. The evidence that has been ignored by the lawyers and the media for so long is finally beginning to come to the surface.

Trial date has been set

My son and daughter-in-law were close friends with Rusty, and remain loyal friends of Andrea. I knew Rusty and recognized him as being an exceptional entrepreneur, parent, husband, and friend. I wish I had known him longer; but I will always remember and admire him. I knew Andrea before the murder of Rusty, but began to really know here after his death. She is a passionate, loving, and yes.. grieving young women who has had her entire life ruined by Hemy Neuman as well as by the irresponsible actions of prosecutors and attorneys whose only objective is for self-promotion and enrichment at Andrea’s and her family’s expense.

Andrea is totally innocent of the charges in the first indictment and equally innocent of all of the charges in the second indictment. The actions by those who are persecuting Andrea are not performed by virtue of their believed obligations under the law, for they also know that the statements they make are untrue. They do what they do for malicious, selfish, and financial reasons. There will be a trial. And Andrea will be found not guilty. It will not be a time for celebration; but rather a time for a nice young woman and her family to pick up the pieces of their lives and go forward. And they will always have their friends and supporters.

-Charles

Thank you for a new court date!

A Psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience.
As she raised the glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full’ question.
Instead with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “the absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case the weight of the water doesn’t change but the longer I hold it the heavier it becomes.”
She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long you will be paralyzed- incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them into the evening and into the night.
Remember to put the glass down.

Let’s stay strong and healthy so we can best support Andrea!

Steffi

48 Hours Interviews Friends of Andrea and Rusty

On Febuary 4, 2013, several friends of Andrea and Rusty participated in an open dialogue with Richard Schlesinger of CBS 48 Hours. The initial group of 10 includes:

- a friend of Rusty since childhood
- a classmate of Rusty’s from Harvard Business School
- friends of Rusty and Andrea while living in Atlanta
- a best friend who spoke at Rusty’s funeral
- friends who have supported Andrea and her family since the murder

To be clear, Richard and his team had complete latitude in what questions were asked. No topic was off-limits, and the group agreed that CBS could post raw footage. This was neither paid nor scripted.

What you view below begins to reveal the real truth and exposes the fabrications, unfounded accusations, and motives of the DA and those looking to profit from the exposure this case has received. In the coming months you will learn even more as to why many who know Andrea are so eager to speak out about her complete innocence and evidence that supports the truth.

Friends Speak Out – Released Feb 22nd
Friends Speak Out – Released Feb 21st
Friends Speak Out – Released Feb 21st – Additional Video

WSB interviews some friends of Andrea

Today a local TV station interviewed some friends of Andrea. The article is located here: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/friends-come-defense-andrea-sneiderman/nTb7B/ It has taken nearly 2 years but there is finally an article in print and on video that is not presumptive of guilt. It is unfortunate that it took this long for some of the truth to come out. And it will all come out, including the conspiracy of attorneys out to get Andrea. One of those was revealed in the article today. The DA blatantly led Andrea to believe he was on her side and then he flip-flopped and attacked her once she was on the stand.

CNN InSession Full Length Video

We have obtained the full length video of a CNN InSession interview with a close friend and support of Andrea’s. All 27 minutes can be viewed by downloading here: CNN Insession Video. Either right click and choose download or be patient while the Quick Time Video format begins to load.

This video is a reminder of what many have forgotten: Hemy Neuman was tried and convicted of murder while being mentally ill. Hemy Neuman, the meek-looking sweater-guy, planned, calculated, and carefully executed the murder. He acted on his own. He was the boss. He was in control of everything.

Everything else is smoke and mirrors by attorneys to ensure their objectives and motives were met. The motive for the district attorney’s office is clear…to ensure Hemy’s conviction. But to ensure Hemy’s conviction, they had to downplay his mental health issues by twisting facts and manipulating the story into something else…Andrea.

There is no justice as long as an innocent woman and her family continue to be persecuted. There is no justice as long as the district attorney’s office is able to float unfounded theories that contradict their original indictment intended only to harass and deconstruct Andrea’s support structure. And there is no justice as long as Esther Panitch is allowed to continue with the same line of harassment using her wrongful death suit under the guise of protecting the interests of the kids, especially when she stands to gain a significant share of the life insurance that belongs to the children if she’s successful.

Each has their own motivation for persecuting Andrea. But it is her friends and supporters who know her best that remind us all of the real Andrea Sneiderman.

I am neither naive nor ignorant…

I am neither naive nor ignorant, but I do admit that I too can get caught up in the media and news. I love news and information. I read international and local news, watch it on TV, and listen to it on the radio. I have an educated background, and yet sometimes I do tend to believe what I hear without taking a critical perspective. I still want to believe in the purity of the truth, not corruption and liars or revenge and misguided information.

I grew up in South Africa during the apartheid regime, so I am not unfamiliar with the use of media as an instrument for corruption, dishonesty, and deception. I was watching when Mandela got released from prison and lived through sanctions. I experienced the limited media reading only what the government wanted us to read and seeing on TV only what the UN allowed us to see.

Years later I had the opportunity to relocate to the USA, the land of opportunity and everything you ever dream it to be….or so I thought. I have been here nearly two years now and can hardly believe how much my experience here resonates with my experiences in South Africa. There is NO innocent until proven guilty. There is NO voice of the people. There is no respect for common decency and truth. It’s all about telling the most sensational story, and lawyers looking for their lucky breaks.  It’s about competition and winning and financial gain at all costs. No one cares about the people behind the story.

It’s 2012 in the United States of America, and we should expect to get the truth and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. We should expect the media to tell the real story. To listen, really listen, and to stop following the buck. To take a step back and think about other people. Hard working, good people. People living a normal, everyday life. Life in the USA can be ruined in a heartbeat, and that makes me angry and MORE frustrated than living under oppression in South Africa.

Andrea Sneiderman lost her husband. The murderer was found guilty, and an evil man was sentenced to life. That’s where the story should have ended. That was justice! The so called “facts” of Andrea’s case are no more true than the false story of Kate Middleton’s newborn twins on the cover of People a few months back. Andrea’s situation reminds me of a term commonly used in Australia called Tall Poppy Syndrome, which occurs when good people are cut down purely because they are talented and successful. It seems to me that the desire of people to punish educated, wealthy, or successful people has kept this kept this story alive in the media and explains the relentless attacks on her character. Making up a story to satisfy the public craving or further one’s career is completely unacceptable. We should demand a higher standard from our public officials and the media.

I’m asking you to take a critical look at “facts” and use common sense when scanning a one liner or a quick story. Let’s demand some truth, some reality. Let’s think about other people, their children, their lives. Let’s not believe everything we read and take 5 steps back before we judge 5 times over. Let’s challenge the media to show justice and credibility.  Let’s look for the good in people and not thrive on misfortune.  Let’s focus on real issues and honesty.

Let’s be real.

Lee

The truth will be heard

Those of us who know the truth continue to stand by Andrea. Eventually the truth will come out for the public to hear as well. However, I doubt the media will broadcast how incredibly wrong they’ve been throughout this entire, backward process. They are listening to lawyers who are focused not on justice but on furthering their own careers. My faith in Andrea’s innocence will NEVER waver. My trust in our judicial system in gone forever.

Andrea’s Attorney’s respond

It was nice to see WSB not only reported the news but actually relayed an opinion.

See http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/sneiderman-denies-allegations-involving-3rd-man/nTHgj/ for the response Andrea’s attorney’s made to the misinformation contained within Esther Panitch’s civil filing. There is a video link at http://bcove.me/fuyzs0uw .

Most interesting is the commentary from a former prosecutor: “Hodges told Petchenik the sudden change in course of the case signals there could be a problem.

“It tells me they don’t have a solid ground for the evidence they were pursuing under the first theory,” he said. “It tells me that the plaintiffs in this case, in the wrongful action, are looking for the smoking gun and they haven’t found it yet.”

This, combined with Esther Panitch losing on the “Next Friend” issue, is a blow to the civil litigation. What will they concoct next?

The prosecution and media should think twice before going down this road

Recent allegations regarding my friend, Joseph Dell, have been suggested by attorneys who are reaching to a find way to convict an innocent woman. They have gone too far and the media has bought it hook line and sinker. By spouting out half truths without even speaking to anyone involved in their newest hypothesis including not even speaking to Joseph, these attorneys are now infringing on my friend’s character, family and livelihood. With what has been said about my friend doesn’t even make sense and if anyone stopped to think about it for one minute, they too would see these ideas are preposterous. I feel obligated to defend one of my closest friends, whose character has been called into question recently.

I have known Joseph Dell for over ten years and am proud to call him one of my best friends. The recent allegations against Joseph are both obscene and completely ridiculous. It sickens me to see my friend slandered and falsely accused. Last time I checked, helping out your friend’s family and being supportive was a good thing. That is exactly what Joseph did. Funny how the attorneys insinuate that Joseph has moved in to Andrea and her parents’ home. Because I was just visiting with Joseph at his own place a couple of weeks ago. To suggest that there was some lurid plot is horribly offensive.

Unfortunately we live in a media fueled world where you believe everything you hear in the news. The media and desperate prosecutors like to spin innocent stories like this one into salacious weapons for the masses. They must be desperate to make their allegations stick, and have since resorted to slander and fairy tale fabrication.

I urge all of you to watch patiently as their case falls to pieces in court. I’m pretty sure the court system runs on facts, not theories. Of course the prosecutors have theories. I have many theories myself about their agenda. Looks like they’ll use anything they can to drag anyone supporting Andrea and her family through the mud. Unfortunately they are going to have to offer evidence to support their theory. I know for a fact they don’t have any.

The truth will be told. Since the DA can’t find anything from the original indictment to support their claim about Andrea, now they are changing their tune and attempting to involve a great guy in a lurid accusation. I will patiently wait for the day I watch their case fall to pieces. I know they have no evidence. I know the truth. I’m not worried in the slightest for my friend or Andrea. I’m upset his character has been questioned. I will defend him wholeheartedly until the bitter end.

Is this for real?

Just heard that Andrea will no longer be able to see Jos. Dell. Where is the evidence that their relationship had any thing to do with Rusty s death.In some ways it may help her if he is a witness because the theory is so ridiculous. This judge is really pro prosecution. It seems any one can be called as a witness that they don’t want her to see. And this is America?

My Friend

I have thought about posting many times, but have not known what to say. Not that I don’t have anything to say, but that I have so many incredible memories and stories that I could share that I don’t know where to start. So, I will try to make this short and to the point.

I met Andrea my freshman year at IU. She lived down the hall and over the first semester of school we became friends. I realized quickly that Andrea was one of the most caring, honest, up front and genuine individuals I had ever met. She told you what she thought even when it wasn’t necessarily what you wanted to hear. She did this, because she truly cared and wanted the best for everyone around her – even when this meant her telling you that you shouldn’t go to that party because you really needed to study! Andrea never let go of her moral values and was very open with all of us as to what those were. I respected her for this then and still do today. I met Rusty as he and Andrea’s relationship grew. The love that they had for each other was so incredible (even at such a young age). I lost touch with Andrea after college. However, thanks to facebook, we reconnected. She was still the same Andrea that she had always been! Only now she was Rusty’s wife, rather than girlfriend, and they had started a beautiful family together. This came as absolutely no shock to me as I always imagined that this is where their lives would lead. I always thought that Andrea and Rusty would get married, have beautiful children, and live “happily ever after.” This is what happened until all of that was taken away from them. Andrea is one of the best people I know. She was taught to stand by her values and, even when she was young and others were rebelling, she did just what she was taught…she stood by her values. It makes me so sad to see all that is happening now. Andrea – please know that I will always stand by you and support you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers always. I love you, Mudhen!

Alicia

I was a classmate of Rusty’s

I was a classmate of Rusty’s at Harvard and my wife and I have known he and Andrea since 2000. As families we dined together, attended friends’ weddings together, and of course played at the lake together. Rusty and I started an Internet company in the insurance industry together back in 2008 as well. If it weren’t for the financial collapse of the insurance industry in the fall of 2008 we might still be business partners. Through these experiences I’ve seen Rusty and Andrea together quite a bit. I don’t believe Andrea had anything to do with Rusty’s death. Mdavidson said it well and it matches what I’ve told myself throughout this whole experience—what would Rusty do if he were in my place? I know he would stand by & support my wife and kids. I’m saddened by all that’s gone on and this whole experience has confirmed my previous views on the media and their motivations. They don’t seem to want to let the facts come out, they’re always looking for a juicy story. I hope this can get wrapped up quickly so Andrea can get back to helping the kids heal. They’re the biggest victims in all that’s occurred.

My friends Andrea and Rusty

There’s not much more to say that hasn’t already been said here on this blog. Like Jeff wrote, I have know Andrea since college, back in 1994 and have been friends with Rusty since we were in 6th grade.

Here’s what I do want to say: Andrea was the light of Rusty’s life, and her love for Rusty ran very deep. The Andrea being portrayed in the media is not the Andrea I have ever known. She could not have done what she is accused of. It goes against the set of values and morals that she grew up with and that I saw her display throughout her life together with Rusty. This terrible tragedy has pulled families apart and damaged lives that can never fully be repaired.

I encourage the public to reserve judgment, and I just keep coming back to the following thought: what would Rusty want his friends to do in this dreadful situation? How would he want us to act as his family is torn apart? I know that if he were alive he’d be playing peacemaker in this impossible situation.

While it is no one’s place to do so now, I know that Rusty would not want his friends to turn their backs on Andrea. Especially not now, when she needs us most.

My Dear Friend

I met Andrea during my freshman year of college. We didn’t become fast friends right away, it took a little while. We became friends during rush week. At IU when you rush a sorority you come back to campus early from Christmas break. I would say our friendship really started that week and grew the next 3 and a half years. Andrea really is the most loyal, kindest friend one could have. We lost touch after college, but reunited on facebook to find out we both had beautiful baby girls! Andrea, I completely support you and believe in you 100%. I know your only fault is being kind to the wrong person. I love you Mudhen and am thinking of you daily!! One of these days we will have that reunion and will always remember your love, Rusty.

Mystery Man Revealed

I’m not quite sure what the mystery is. I was friends with Rusty. We discussed business and personal things. We shared wine. We shared stories. During the short time he and I got to know each other he was a truly inspirational person in my life. Like the many people who felt the impact of his life, his death struck us all. I remember exactly where I was when my wife told me what had happened and how the community came together to support Andrea… but also how quickly its support dwindled.

What if it happened to me? How would I want people to treat my family? I had this same conversation with my wife when I started spending more time supporting Andrea and her family. I would go over to cut the grass, change a light bulb and sometime just be a presence. Who else was going to do it? Most of her friends had families of their own but my family was already in the process of being divided. I found that both Andrea and I had become support for each other due to the circumstances we were living through. That mutual friendship extended to her entire family.

I hardly knew Andrea before her husband was murdered but I have gotten to know her and her family as an extension of my own. For anyone who knows Andrea, there is no mystery and no mystery man. The mystery man was Hemy Neuman: the mentally ill individual who was convicted of murdering Rusty Sneiderman. But the jury got it right and he is in jail for the rest of his life. The rest of the noise is an attempt to smear Andrea and any of her friends and family.

There are those who want to paint a picture and concoct a story about something far more salacious. I’m sorry to disappoint everyone but it just isn’t there.

Like most supporters of Andrea, I’ve already received threats and have been the subject of backroom conversation. I have no intention of dragging myself or my family into the mud with the media and becoming a source of public scrutiny. I’m not interested in engaging with people who are comfortable hiding behind their keyboards to spout hatred. But Andrea and Rusty have a remarkable story of their lives. And while Rusty was taken from us all prematurely, it is a story that should be told. And it is the one that their children will know about regardless of the anger and hatred that is channeled towards Andrea and her family or their friends. I challenge anybody who has heard the real story of Rusty and Andrea to convict Andrea before the truth is heard.

The haters will hate no matter what. It is their job to promote hate. The kind of hate we try not to teach on playgrounds or in schools. The kind we don’t want our children to learn. But hatred is based on ignorance and lack of information. The public has only seen the side of the curtain the wizard wants you to see. Some are saying that this doesn’t all add up. And those people would be right. We will see it all at trial. Until then, I remain a supporter of Andrea and her entire family.

- Joseph Dell

Today’s In Session Interview on CNN

Elizabeth did an excellent job fielding questions about the real Andrea we all know.   If you haven’t watched the video, watch the replay at http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/21/sneidermans-friend-andreas-story-has-not-been-told/

I have known Andrea since we were freshman at IU

I have known Andrea since we were freshman at IU.  She was always a strong moral person who was also very strong in her Jewish faith.  In fact, Andrea is the reason that I even made it to Hillel.  She easily included me in the Hillel social events, as well as getting me there to study and attend services.  I met Rusty through Andrea and I remember nothing but love and respect between the two of them.  I saw them years later when they were living in Chicago and they had that same love and respect that I remembered from IU.  I don’t believe that Andrea could have had anything to do with Rusty’s murder.  Her strong moral values and love for Rusty hadn’t change in the years after college.   Even though we lost touch for a few years in between, when we did rekindle our relationship there is absolutely nothing that had changed about her.  Rusty and her family were still top on her list of importance and she was still the kind and caring person that I remembered from our freshman year.  I believe in her innocence and I look forward to the day when others will finally get the chance to see the real Andrea.  The kind, generous and loving person that I know.

Andrea Supporter

I have been watching the trial closely. I believe Andrea will be vindicated and did not conspire with Neuman to kill Rusty. America is not believing his insanity plea at all. He knew murder was wrong and I believe he acted alone.

I have known Andrea for about 18 years…