Lois Goodman Case: Pretrial Hearing 6

Lois Goodman, November 8th

UPDATED 11/14/12: correct spelling
UPDATED: added link

November 8th, 2012
I have all the good intentions of getting out the door and down to the courthouse and up on the 9th floor early, but it doesn't happen.  When I turn on Tyrone from Calvert, I see Goodman's defense attorney Allison Treissl pull into a lot next to the court house and I decide to park there instead of the parking structure behind the court.  The price is the same $9.00, and the advantage is I don't have to climb down several flights of stairs.  I also see Kelley Gerner pull into the same lot.  As I leave the lot I note that Ms. Treissl lights up a cigarette before she heads toward the courthouse.

As I trek up the long walkway between the two court buildings, I note the weekly Farmer's Market is starting to set up on the plaza. As I get to the front of the court building, I see a long line outside again. It's why I wanted to get here early. I'm worried I won't get up on the 9th floor before the courtroom opens. I want to make sure I get a seat in the front row so I can hear everyone.

Finally up on the 9th floor and waiting outside Dept 122, I see three video camera operators. They don't know who's going be the pool video photographer.  The crews are from local KTLA Ch. 5, local CBS Ch 9 and CNN.  I ask the camera operators if the courtroom is open yet.  They tell me, "No."  So I wait with them.

Defense attorney Triessl is up on the 9th floor, standing away from the press, closer to the elevators.  An older slender man with glasses speaks to Triessl. The only reporter I recognize is "John" from KNX 1090 Radio.  He's a tall, bulky balding man with long hair to his shoulders and a mustache.  Miriam Hernandez isn't here.  She must have been sent on another assignment.

A young, pretty reporter I've never seen before tries the door to Dept 122.  She then sees a female  LAPD officer in uniform walking near the door and asks her a question, most likely about Dept. 122.  (I find that interesting because most reporters should know that it's the Sheriff's that are in charge of all county courthouses.)

Lois Goodman arrives. She smiles and greets her attorney, Triessl.  The defense investigator, Scott Ross (no relation) is standing with Triessl.Even from where I'm standing it looks like Lois had her hair cut very short and styled.  It's combed straight back.  There's no curl at all.  She looks nice.  She's wearing white slacks, a gray blouse and a lighter grayish, creamy toned long cardigan sweater.

Goodman has a few supporters with her, mostly girlfriends, that look to be about the same age as Goodman. It's not the huge crowd that I've seen a previous hearings.  I see Lois reading something on her phone.

The courtroom is finally opened and the press files in.  I take a seat in the front row, left.  Some of the press sits in the center, back row.  There's a bit of chatter in the well.  I hear the court reporter state to a court staff member that they don't know who the DDA will be in the courtroom today.  (There are many courtrooms where a deputy district attorney is assigned to handle many pretrial hearings in a specific court.)

Triessl and Gerner ask the court reporter about a beautiful piece of sculpted (ceramic?) artwork on her desk.  It's like a partial mask of the face, all in off-white.  From the bottom, a finger of a hand comes up that's placed over the lips as if to say 'shush' or 'quiet.' It's about six inches wide by eight inches tall.  From where I'm sitting, I can't tell if the piece is hanging on the wall, has it's own support to sit on the desk or is a part of a photo frame below it.

Triessl is back in the gallery, speaking to Goodman for a moment. Goodman is sitting in the second row on the right, in the seat right next to the wall.  Her body is turned 90 degrees to face into the gallery and speak to her seat companion.  Sitting next to Goodman is a woman about the same age and height with shoulder length jet black hair.  The dark haired woman gets up to speak to the defense investigator Ross.  The prosecution team is not here yet.

At 8:53 AM the defense team leaves the courtroom in mass.  Judge Silver comes out to her bench.  She's wearing a dark blue A-frame print dress.  I can't discern the cream pattern on her dress from where I am sitting. My eyes are drawn to her stunning gold and silver necklace.  The cameraman has set up in the jury box that also has several uniformed officers and suited detectives.  He adjusts his wireless microphone on the court reporter's desk.

Judge Silver exchanges a few pleasantries with a defense attorney waiting in the well.  More counsel arrive with rolling carts and check in with the bailiff and court clerk.

In the jury box, there are now two detectives and a uniformed, female LAPD officer.  One of the detectives comes out to speak to the people sitting behind me.  He tells them they are just waiting for the DA to arrive and then the DA will speak to everybody.  Another detective, a woman arrives and sits in the jury box.

Looking over at the left side of the courtroom, it appears that there are about nine or ten supporters here for Goodman.  A group of about four or five casually dressed black women enter Dept. 122 and take seats in the rows behind me.  More people check in with the bailiff.

In a loud voice, the Asian looking bailiff reminds everyone to turn off their cell phones.  "If you want to use it, step outside," he tells the room.

9:05 AM DDA Sharon Ransom arrives and starts speaking to a defense attorney on another case.  More counsel arrive and try to find space in the well.  Some move to the jury box.

Defense attorney Robert Sheahen arrives.  Gerner greets Ransom. Shaking her hand she says, "Hello, how are you?"  Ransom asks a detective in the well what case they are here on and he replies, "Matthews."  Ransom now speaks to some of the people in the gallery behind me.  She's obviously working on another case.  I wonder if she's been taken off the Goodman case.

The courtroom is very busy now, with more counsel arriving for their cases.  A young, very pregnant Asian woman with several files, takes a seat at the prosecution's table.    She's wearing black slacks, no jacket and an emerald green maternity top that is made of a stretchy nylon or rayon that hugs her frame.  She speaks to the "Matthews" case detective in the well.

Over on the right side of the courtroom, Goodman and her female supporters chat.

The courtroom consists of three rows and two aisles separating the sections.  The rows on far left and right are only four folding seats across.  The center section is long, but it's only three rows.  The back row is not the full length.  The front row is blocked off with yellow caution tape.  So is the front row on the far right.  I believe I know why the courtroom does this.  It's to keep the general public from possibly sitting too close, or getting too close to those defendants currently in custody.  I've seen in custody defendants sitting in the chairs behind the defense table and not "at" the defense table.

The uniformed LAPD officer speaks to the pregnant Asian DDA (Ms. Kwon sp?).  I've a feeling this is the DA that is taking over the absent DDA's calendar in this courtroom.  Another detective arrives and sits in the jury box.

I note "John" from KNX 1090 sits in the center, last row with the pretty, young reporter.

The courtroom is getting a bit noisy and the bailiff shouts out "Quiet down please!"  A hush immediately settles over the courtroom for a moment and then conversations resume in a lowered tone.  Goodman smiles and exchanges whispers with her girlfriends.

Judge Silvers comes out in her robes. The bailiff tells everyone to stand and face the flag.  As everyone is standing, Goodman's defense team enters the courtroom.  After the little speech is completed, Judge Silvers takes the bench and calls a case.  Lisa Tanner is here.  She enters the jury box for a moment then quickly exits the courtroom to answer her phone.

The court is waiting on other DDA's to be ready with their cases.  9:24 AM a brief recess is called.

Another male attorney with short black hair enters and exchanges business cards with Triessl and Gerner.  Lisa Tanner is at the prosecution table going over documents.  Now Robert Sheahen is also intently listening to the attorney talking to Triessl and Gerner.  I can see from where I'm sitting the conversation with the new attorney is intense.  Sheahen is nodding his head as the new guy speaks.  Now Triessl has a serious expression on her face, as she momentarily holds her hand to her face.  Gerner has her hand on her hip as she listens to the new attorney.

I believe my notes say that Gerner then passes Lisa Tanner and says, "December 7th, zero of 30 ... and that's the last..." 

At 9:30 AM, DDA Ransom reenters Dept 122.  I look on over at Triessl, and she's in an animated conversation now with the new attorney, speaking with her hands.  Goodman is still turned 90 degrees around in her seat, her back against the side wall to look into the gallery and chat with her girlfriends.

The co-counsel on the Lonnie Franklin, Jr., the Grim Sleeper case, Seymour Amster enters Dept. 122.  The City News reporter, Fred, enters and takes a seat beside me.  At 9:45 AM the court goes back on the record.  Two defendants are brought out, a man and a woman.  Amster is representing the woman.  That case is held over until December 3rd.

And we wait some more.  The defense counsel left the well when the prior hearing was up.  Judge Silver leaves the bench.  I glance over at Goodman.  She has her elbow on either the chair arm or her lap and her hand is on the side of her face.  Fred tells me he's here for another case, the Justin Bieber paparazzi car chase incident.

Judge Silver retakes the bench and a preliminary hearing begins in another case.  Goodman will get the opportunity to see a short preliminary hearing.  A witness takes the stand and starts to tell the story of out walking his dog at night. A car ran a four-way stop sign. It came around the corner very fast and runs into him; comes at him.  Then the car stopped and then backed into him.  He was walking his dog when the car stopped then backed into him.  The witness testifies he was knocked down by the car when it backed into him and he flew about ten feet.

The witness states he was in shock.  The driver of the vehicle gets out and then hits him.  The driver begins to fight with him.  They were close contact wresstling with each other.  "It became a huggy contest," the witness testified.  Lots of hugging.  Judge Silver asks the witness to just describe the contact with the defendant.

The witness explains, "He had the better of me.  He lifted me up off the ground.  He lifted me up and carried me to the other side of the street then threw me on the ground. ... (For) most of the battle, I couldn't get him off me. ... He was really good with his elbows."  The witness states the attacker elbowed him in the throat.

As the witness is describing the fight, I'm wondering about his dog.  Did he run away? Did he try to defend his owner?  What about his dog?

The witness described how when he walks his dog at night he carries a batton.  (Before the prelim began, the defendant was advised about his rights since the batton he carried is consided an illegal weapon.)  During the fight, the attacker grabbed his batton. The witness states, "The older gentleman picked up my batton and hit me over the head with the baton three times. ... He kicked me twice in the face. ... He would then run to the corner and look around. ... He kept saying (to me) 'I'm LAPD!! I'm LAPD!!!"

The witness is asked if he believed the individual was an LAPD officer.  "Not from what transpired there."  Then the witness tells the court he surrendered.  He had had enough of fighting with this assailant.  He says to the younger man, "Okay. You win."  He laid back on the ground and surrendered.  The guy who was attacking him replied, "No! ... I look up and my dog is still there."

The prosecution asks him if he lost consciousness.  The witness states he did lose consciousness after he saw his dog.  DDA Kwon asks, "Did you ever see the younger one with the baton?"  "No," the witness replies. When the vicitm came to (woke up) at the scene, he remembered the helicopters overhead.  The witness states he had massive lacerations on his body and he thinks possibly a concussion.  I have in my notes that the witness said he suffered "psyciatric dismay."  Judge Silver asks the question that everyone wanted to know.  "What kind of dog?"  The witness replies, "A pit bull."

That's it for direct and cross begins. Fred gets up to check on the Bieber case in another floor of the courtroom.

The defense attorney asks if he had been convicted of a felony.  "Yes," the witness replies.  (For the) "...purchase of rock cocaine." The witness is asked if he was intoxicated while out walking his dog.  No.  There's not much to the cross.

An officer takes the stand. He's with LAPD, Van Nuys division.  I see Goodman is still in the same pose as before.  Her elbow on the arm of the chair and the palm of her hand on her chin.

While a new witness is called to take the stand in the current preliminary hearing, I look over at Triessl and Gerner.  It appears they are looking over a document.  There appears to be a look of consternation on Triessl's face. Her eyebrows are constricted.  Triessl and Gerner and intently conferring over the document.  They now leave the courtroom to continue their conversation.  The new male attoney motions to Sheahen and he leaves the courtroom also.

A Detective Alvarez (sp?) takes the stand in the current prelim.  He's assigned to Van Nuys Division, working CAPS.  At this point, I stopped taking notes on this preliminary hearing.  From memory, it was either this witness or another witness who testifies about a good samaritan who observed the fight going on in the street from inside his home and called 911.  The detective on the stand testifies that this witness saw the younger man hit the victim with the baton twice.   As quickly as it started, that preliminary hearing was over.

The Goodman case is called.  I see that the male attorney that earlier had Goodman's defense team captivated sets his laptop and briefcase down on the prosecution's table.  It's clear the DA's office has assigned a new attorney to the case. He announces his name for the record, "John Lewin."  I'm quite surprised.  John Lewin is with the DA's Major Crimes Division, which now will probably be handling the case. I've heard of him from my friend Matthew McGough. He's a heavy hitter who specializes in cold case homicides and difficult circumstantial cases. Now I understand the meaning of the conversation that I observed he had with the defense team in the well of the court.

DDA Lewin tells the court that the discovery process is ongoing back and forth between the parties.  They'd like to set the prelim pre-setting date over one more month to December 7th, and have the case at zero of 30 on that date.

Defense attorney Sheahen speaks to the discovery issues. "We've received (an additional?) 2200 pages of documents." The defense has provided the prosecution with the results of a polygraph that their client passed.  The defense has received the original notes from a (Detective? McCarty?). They are still waiting on notes from other first responders. Sheahen tells the court they have received preliminary DNA results.  Ms. Goodman's DNA was on her clothing.  Her DNA was not on the cup that is the alleged murder weapon.

The defense is also asking the court if Ms. Goodman can leave her home for 12 hours to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family.

The next hearing will be on December 7th at 8:30 AM and the court calendar is set at zero of thirty court days.  And that's it.

The press files out to see if the defense will speak to them.

The video cameras follow John Lewin as he exits the courthouse.  A few of the reporters yell questions at him.  Lewin stops and thoughtfully tells the press that he won't speak on the record until the case is over.  The KNX reporter throws out to Lewin if he could buy him lunch.  If I"m not mistaken, Lewin throws back a joke and tells the reporter he isn't his type.

Triessl tells the press that she is going to walk her client to her car. She states her client is thrilled she will be enjoying Thanksgiving with her family.

A bit later, Robert Sheahen speaks to the press.  He asks Gerner if she wants to stand up with him but she declines.  I believe she tells him something to the effect, "It's all yours."

Sheahen tells the press that Goodman's DNA was found on her own clothing. It was not found on the coffee cup.   Then Sheahen tells the press that the district attorney has indicated that there is a possibility that Alan Goodman's blood, his DNA was so pervasive that it "washed out" Ms. Goodman's DNA.  They are following up on discovery matters with the additional pages of discovery.  They are waiting on microscopic slides from the coroner. Sheahen also states there is a new DA on the case and that they welcome Mr. Lewin from Major Crimes, a seasoned prosecutor to the case.  Sheahen also tells the press that they have offered to the DA's office to make Goodman's home available to the DA.

Sheahen then states again that the DNA found on Goodman's pants was her own.  The coffee mug, (that DNA on it) all belonged to Alan Goodman. This is consistent with Ms. Goodman's statement that (he may have been?) holding the cup and fallen on the cup.  The visit to the house by the DA will happen before the next hearing.

I ask Mr. Sheahen about the second autopsy performed by their expert, Dr. Michael Baden.  (Baden testified in both Spector trials.) Sheahen states Baden's report will be ready in a couple of weeks.  They are waiting on the microscopic slides from the cornoer for Dr. Baden to review.

And that's it.  I head back to my car and almost forget that there were supposed to be documents waiting for me (a defense filing in this case) at the clerks office.  Elizabeth Martinez of the Public Information Office had kindly arranged that for me. But when I get up there, the clerk at the window didn't know anything about it. I'll have to get them another time.  As I'm leaving the court building, Alison Triessl and I think Kelly Gerner were reentering the courthouse.  Triessl asks me, "Are you the blogger?"  I'm immediately embarrassed that I've been identified.  I usually like to fly under the radar.  I reply, "Yes."  She then tells me, "I love your blog! ... There's so much detail."  Still embarrassed, I thank her several times for her kind words.

I will share my thoughts, my opinion, on the preliminary DNA results that were revealed in court today.  One of the heaver hitters in forensic science coined a phrase years ago, that blood spatter expert, Dr. Lynne Herold said on the stand in the first Spector trial. "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." (No Spector DNA was found on the murder weapon that was covered with Lana Clarkson's blood.)

Just because you don't find something is not indicative that it proves a negative.  And what Robert Sheahen said about Alan Goodman's blood on the cup washing out Ms. Goodman's DNA is true.  I've heard DNA analysts testify about this phenomenon in both Spector and in the Stephanie Lazarus case.  There are instances where, when you have an abundant blood profile with good nucleated DNA cells, that can easily be such a "loud" profile that a smaller profile, from say, "touch DNA" or skin cells with little to few nucleated cells would be "washed out" and undetected with the instrumentation we have today.  It doesn't mean it's not there. It just means it can't be detected.

Lois Goodman Case: Pretrial Hearing 5

UPDATED 10/3 7:00 PM additional notes and spelling corrections 

October 3rd, 2012
I apologize that my notes on this pretrial hearing are so late.  Responsibilities to Mr. Sprocket's business have kept me from writing in a more timely manner.  Note: This entry isn't completely finished. Sprocket.

When I get to the front steps of the Van Nuys Courthouse, I think I have plenty of time to get through security but I've forgotten about the long lines.  There is only one line for the public and press.  With moments to spare before 8:30 AM, I clear security.  I ask the first security office I see which floor Dept. 122 is on.  "Ninth floor," he replies.  I get to the elevators and quickly as I can. 

When I get up on the ninth floor, there is a large group of press and supporters for Goodman, as many as I've seen in the last hearings.

Local ABC 7's Miriam Hernandez looks lovely in a cream sweater top and a stripe skirt.  A younger, nicely dressed woman is with her.  I notice they are both wearing their gold number "7" circle pins on their tops. I note that Miriam has a lovely, tiny stranded gold necklace with spaced gold beads.

I spot Lois Goodman.  she's wearing a brown and cream horizontal striped top.  In my notes I have 'black pants' but I'm thinking that they might have been brown to match her top.

When Triessl arrives on the 9th floor, she openly hugs her client and they walk off together to chat.   There is a salt and pepper haired man with Triessl, that appears to be part of the legal team.

Another Ch 7 reporter joins our group and Miriam introduces her to me. Her name is Lisa and she's an investigative producer who is working on a story involving James Cohan, who also has an appearance today in Dept 122.  Lisa tells me a bit about Cohan, a serial plaintiff in federal court, who claims to be disabled.  However, Channel 7 filmed Cohan easily hiking up a hill.  (If I'm reading my notes correctly), Cohan is in court today on a probation violation, accused of collecting guns and ammunition.  Lisa also mentions another serial plaintiff, Alfredo Garcia.


When Dept 122 opens, it's tiny. There are three sections separated by two aisles. There are barely forty seats total.  I'm betting most of Goodman's support group will not get a seat.  The press sits on the far left of the room along with some witnesses.  I grab a seat in the left front row, right in front of the jury box.  The two center rows are reserved for counsel and the far right of the courtroom is reserved for defendants.  There are quite a few LAPD uniformed officers in the jury box as well as a few suited detectives.

Goodman's supporters are arguing with the bailiffs in the room about seating.  They are complaining that some of the seating is blocked off with yellow tape.  A bailiff is telling those who don't have seats that they can't stand.  They must wait outside.  There are at least 20 plus supporters for Goodman in this tiny courtroom.

I don't have my new glasses yet, so I ask the reporter sitting to my right if she can read the plaque on the judge's bench.  Dept. 122's judge is Jessica P. Silvers.  Judge Silvers is a tall, slender woman.  She doesn't have her robe on yet.  She's wearing a sleek dark blue sleeveless dress. (It's not in my notes, but If I'm recalling correctly, shes wearing a short strand of pearls.) I spot DDA Sharon Ransom. I don't see Lisa Tanner (she doesn't show up today).  Ransom and the defense counsel go back into Judge Silver's chambers.  It's 9:05 AM, and I'm betting it will take some time for this hearing to get underway.  With all the officers in the jury box, there must be many more cases being heard this morning.

Judge Silvers comes back out from her chambers, tidies up her bench and then goes back into chambers.  Either that or she was specifically looking for something.  A reporter behind me believes they are waiting for a detective.

Judge Silvers is back on the bench and a defendant is brought out for another case.  Judge Silvers has everyone stand and face the US flag.  It's not in my notes but I believe the pledge of allegiance is read.  Counsel for this current case chat with Judge Silvers at the bench.

Goodman's supporters get up to leave and give their seats to others who are waiting in the hallway.

It's a busy, bustling courtroom.  There's a lot going on.  Counsel come and go, checking in with Judge Silver's clerk.  The jury box is still packed with detectives and LAPD officers.  I observe some of the officers waiting for their cases to be called.  One officer is holding a file and looking bored.  Two officers are engrossed in their smart phones.  One is nervously rocking the chair back and forth.

At 9:50 AM I step outside to return Mr. Sprocket's call, who is demanding to know why I'm not answering my phone.  I patiently explain to him that I can't answer the phone inside the courtroom.  In the hallway, I notice DDA Ransom and Triessl are sitting on a bench in deep conversation.

Back inside the courtroom, there are other attorneys that appear to be joking in the well.  Judge Silvers is not on the bench.  This courtroom reminds me a bit of Dept. 30 in downtown.  A female prosecutor handling other cases releases some of the officers in the jury box.  She then asks a few other officers what cases they are here on.

One of the reporters identifies for me who the salt and pepper hair man is with the defense team.  His name is Scott Ross (no relation) and he's the investigator for the defense.

Several officers have no left the jury box.  One of the reporters asks who the third attorney is working on Goodman's case.  It's Kelly Gerner.  I take my earlier opinion back.  The bustle in this courtroom is worse than Dept. 30.  It's obvious the court calendar today is full.  It's now 10:05 AM.  A few moments later, the bailiff finally lets the rest of Goodman's supporters inside the courtroom.

10:07 AM DDA Ransom and the rest of the defense team (Alison Triessl, Kelly Gerner Robert Sheahen) is now all back in the well, sitting in the row of chairs against the "bar."

10:15 AM Judge Silvers calls the Goodman case.  I believe it's the defense who states they are asking for another 30 days before setting a 'set' date.  They are still asking for disclosure from the prosecution.  The defense has received voluminous amounts of discovery, They (have?) received the murder book.  They are asking for more discovery.  They are half way through what they've received so far.  They are working the with prosecution on getting all the discovery.

Something is said about detectives providing (other? discovery?) within the next couple of days.  The next pretrial hearing date asked for is November 8th, and on that date, they will set a preliminary hearing date.

The defense states they are focusing on one area of discovery, the original notes of the LAPD who determined that Alan Goodman's death was an accident.  They are also asking for the notes of any SID (LAPD Science Investigation Division) people on the scene in April or May.  The defense has not yet been provided those original notes in the initial discovery.

Judge Silver asks the defense if they are requesting the "original" notes of the detectives or a copy of the original notes.  The defense clarifies they are asking for a copy of the original notes.

The next hearing date is set for November 8th.  Triessl then tells Judge Silvers there are two additional small matters.  Sheahen then gets up to speak to Judge Silvers about the DA requesting a DNA sample.  Sheahen states the defense did seek a writ of mandate in Dept. 100 that was denied without a hearing.  They want to make it perfectly clear that the DNA will be submitted today.  (It's not in my notes but I have a memory that Sheahen mentioned the defense did appeal that ruling to a higher court.)

Triessl then asks the court again for their client to be able to travel to her offices.  She mentions that there is a lot of discovery in this case.  Seems like a waste of the courts time to meet every time to get a waiver. The prior ruling in Dept. 100, the judge stated Triessl had to go to Goodman's home to prepare her defense.  Goodman is on home confinement and ankle monitoring.  She is only allowed to leave her home for religious services and doctor appointments.

Judge Silvers addresses the people, stating there is no danger to the public at this time, and seems to be a reasonable request.  The people have no objection.  So Goodman's ability to leave her home increased a bit.  She can now go to her attorney's office.

And that's it. The press and Goodman supporters slowly file out of Dept. 122 and into the hallway.  While I'm standing around outside Dept. 122, waiting to see if the defense will speak to the press in the plaza,  A very petite older woman approaches me with curly gray hair.  She's asks me, "Are you the T&T lady?"  I reply, "Yes."  She then makes a few statements in defense of Goodman.  "What will give her back her name and economic stability?"  I ask her if she is a longtime friend of Goodman's.  "Yes," she replies, and then adds, "And Alan's." 

I hear that the defense is going to speak to the press so I head down the hallway to the elevator bay.  As I'm standing there, I notice a familiar face that also recognizes me about 12 feet away.  It's one of the Van Nuys Cowboys, Homicide Detective Pete Barba.  Barba was one of the detectives that solved the murder of Sherri Rasmussen and led to the conviction of Stephanie Lazarus.  I smile and head towards him.  He asks me what I'm here for and I tell him the Goodman case. We ride down the elevator a few floors together until Pete gets off on sixth.  It appears he's got another case to check in on. In my surprise at seeing Pete, I totally forgot to personally thank him for the surprise present the Cowboys gave me back in June.

Out on the plaza, the defense is setting up to speak to the press.  Many of Goodman's supporters stood with Lois and her counsel to face the cameras.
More to come...


UPDATE 7:00 PM


Out on the plaza, I took this photo with my old phone. I apologize for the poor quality of the photo.

Goodman's counsel speaks to the press with supporters standing by.

I believe it's Alison Triessl who speaks first.  "Mrs. Goodman has so many loving friends.  Some drove as far as Reno to be here today."  Triessl tells the press Goodman's friends know that Lois did not do what she is being accused of.  I believe it's Robert Sheahen who talks about the provided DNA sample, and that they "kicked up" their appeal "to a higher court."

Goodman's defense talks to the press about asking for the detectives original notes. The defense also said, "We hope the public and the media will stay with this case. "This woman did not do this," Triessl continued.

Many of Goodman's friends stood up with Lois and appeared on camera in support.

I stood back and watched the mainstream media do it's job.  Miriam asked Sheahen about several of the prosecution's allegations. She also asked him about the prosecutions allegations that there were several areas, pools of blood, and that someone injured would have (in passing the phone) would have called for help. Sheahen deflected her questions.  I believe Miriam asked him about the autopsy report, and Sheahen responded, "We will have plenty to say about the autopsy."

The defense still talks to the press.  "We're asking for notes.... first draft (notes) .... the first impressions at the scene.... The next set of notes... from subsequent search.  (snip) We think the (criminalists?) notes will show a lot of things in our favor."

Sheahen then addresses the autopsy.  "Why is the LAPD in with the medical examiner?  ....telling the medical examiner..."

(I don't have a clue what Sheahen is implying here.  It's my understanding that detectives observe autopsies of their cases all the time, and there's nothing unusual about that. Sprocket.)

Then in speaking directly to Miriam and the Associated Press reporter, I hear Sheanen say, "I appreciate you guys.... because you take the time to get it right.... some of your colleagues (don't) .... I really mean that." (I agree that Miriam is an excellent reporter. Sprocket)

And that was it. I made my way home.  Next pretrial hearing is November 8th in Dept. 122 at 8:30 AM.

LOIS GOODMAN: Arraignment & Bail Hearing

Lois Goodman, at her arraignment August 29th, 2012

Photo credit: Al Seib, Los Angeles Times

UPDATE August 30th: removed link. Sprocket.

The LA County Sheriff's web site indicates Ms. Goodman's next court appearance is scheduled for October 3rd, 2012, at Van Nuys Courthouse, Department 122.

Goodman's family is currently trying to raise the funds for her defense.

UPDATE August 29th: for clarity, spelling, by Days Like This

I wanted to get to the Van Nuys Courthouse a bit early because I wanted to pick up a copy of the defense motion at the clerk's office before I entered Dept 100.  A big thanks to Elizabeth Martinez of the court's Public Information Office for getting me that motion so quickly.  You rock, Liz!

Lois Goodman is to be arraigned today on murder charges and her attorney will present a motion to reduce Ms. Goodman's bail.  The prosecution alleges Ms. Goodman repeatedly stabbed at her husband with the the shards from a broken coffee cup.  Although I've never heard of a judge (or commissioner) reducing bail on a murder charge, that doesn't mean it can't happen.

Up on the third floor outside Dept 100 were a mass of people who had come to court in support of Lois Goodman.   I see a friendly face in the rotunda, local ABC 7's on-air court reporter, Miriam Hernandez, and I get to chat with her a bit.  Miriam is a beautiful woman and always looks sharply dressed.  She was wearing a deep berry red top and a geometric patterned skirt.

When the courtroom is finally open, the friends of Ms. Goodman fill half of the center area of the gallery.  I take a quick head count and there appear to be at least 25 or more people here for her.  A few minutes after I take my seat, my friend Katie arrives and gets a seat right beside me.  Katie attended quite a bit of the Lazarus trial with me and it's nice to see her.

A pretty, trim blond officer wearing a form fitting light blue blouse and dark skirt walks by and enters the well of the court.  Her badge is attached to her waist in the front but behind her, attached to a belt in the center of her back are a pair of handcuffs.  A few of us in the gallery joke that the handcuffs hanging there might be attractive to some.

The prosecutor I saw at the first hearing arrives, Lisa Tanner.  She's also accompanied by a second DDA, Sharon Ransom.  Both women are dressed in dark, conservative suits.

At 9:00 AM, Lois Goodman's attorney, Alison Treissl comes out of the detainee area.  She was probably visiting with her client.  One of the reporters tells me Ms. Goodman has three daughters who are all standing by her.

Making small talk, I mentioned that I had attended a LAVA event at the Crime Lab (Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center) on Sunday where author John Leake spoke about his latest self-published book, Cold A Long Time: An Alpine Mystery.  My favorite scientist, Dr. Lynne Herold also spoke at the lecture about ligature knots in relation to an Austria case, the murder trial of Jack Unterweger, that Leake also wrote about in Entering Hades: The Double Life Of A Serial Killer.  (I'm behind on stories, and I hope to put up an entry about this lecture, soon. Sprocket.)

Miriam then shared with me that one of her co-workers at the station, Kevin Warner, also wrote an e-book that he self-published called Bungalow Heaven.  Miriam says it's a combination of mystery and comedy.

9:05 AM, we're still waiting for the hearing to get underway.  Five minutes later, the center gallery is packed.  The still photographer and the video cameraman are in front of me, but I notice that the cameraman doesn't have his heavy video equipment on the tripod yet.   I mention this to Miriam and she wonders too.  She then gets up to check, I think to see what the delay in setting up might be.

9:17 AM, the court reporter takes her desk to the right of Commissioner Mitchell Block.  Katie then mentions to me that she saw Lois for just a moment through the mesh on the door to the detainee section.  There are a few reporters behind me, working away on their laptops and iPads, reading documents and E-mails.  As I watch the detainee area, I see Goodman for just a moment, briefly lean her head to look out the big plate glass windows.  Moments later she is brought out into the courtroom.  She was wearing an orange jumpsuit, with a white long-johns type shirt underneath. This is exactly like what Stephanie Lazarus wore at her pre-trial appearances.

The prosecution and defense identify themselves for the record.  Alison Triessl and Robert Sheahen.  Commissioner Block asks the prosecution if they have had time to read the defense motion.  They have.  Commissioner Block asks the defense if there is anything else, new, they want to put on the record before he rules?  He tells her he does not need to hear argument that he has already read.  Triessl states that they do, and that they will be brief. 

Unfortunately, I don't have in my notes who from the defense speaks first.  This is not a case of pretrial (contation?) (We?) do not have a case of (premeditation?).  "We simply ask the court to reduce bond.  Reduce it to a more reasonable figure." The defense goes on to say, it's beyond the reach of the defendant for this (circumstance?).  (Requesting?) an amount sufficient for her to appear in court.  (The public? standard? there is) no evidence of premeditation.  (The police believe/stated) ...she snapped.  (Then this is a) manslaughter case.

The defense requests a bond of $100,000.00, and something to the effect that this is where bond for a manslaughter case gets filed.  (It's?) already been stated it will come out as a 192 (penal code), (a manslaughter case).

Then the defense argues that if Ms. Goodman is in jail, she will lose the right to a fair trial. The defense needs to help to get to (various?) neighbors..... need her out to....

Triessl goes on the record to give her word as an officer of the court that her family does not have the collateral to meet the 1 million bond.  Her daughters are willing to put up their homes as collateral.  They will not have the collateral for 1 million.

Triessl then describes the concerns she has for Ms. Goodman's health, and her access to needed medical care.  She tells the court that Ms. Goodman has a spinal cord stimulator implanted in her body.  It's been in the constant "on" position since her arrest.  There is a remote device that needs to be in contact with her body to turn it off.  She has not been able to sleep because she can't adjust this device.

Triessl tells the court that Ms. Goodman was cooperative with the police investigators.  She met with them three different times, on April 21st, April 23rd and May 3rd.  She let them know she would be going to New York.  She was willing to cooperate.  She drove herself to the police station, as required.  "I've been assured she will be brought to each and every court hearing. (snip) She will comply to every court instruction.

Then DDA Sharon Ransom addresses the court. She speaks for the victim, Alan Goodman.  Alan Goodman was 80 years old.  He had diabetes and (heart?) condition.  He was a helpless man.  The defendant used (the shards from a coffee cup) to stab the victim at least ten times.  (This was a very violent act?) She left him lying in bed to bleed and die.  She left to officiate a tennis match and to get her nails done.

Ransom continued, "There is evidence of premeditation.  There were two areas of assault (found in the home).  (snip)  There was an assault on the (stairway?) landing and where he lay dying. (snip) Also there were multiple areas of (stabbing? injury? that) show (the defendant) was trying to kill him.(snip) The next day, she spoke to potential witnesses, trying to create an alibi.  (snip) We have evidence she spoke to witnesses the day of the event, the next day and the following week, (snip) telling them different stories as to what might have occurred. (snip) (She was) trying to manipulate potential witnesses. (snip) There are medical facilities in the jail to deal with these (her?) health issues."

DDA Ransom continues to argue that bail should not be reduced in this case.  The recommended bail of 1 million is given to anyone that commits a murder.  This (amount? of) bail given to anyone. It doesn't matter whether they live in Beverly Hills or Compton.  Ransom speaks about her age, and another factor that I miss and asks the court to leave the bail amount at 1 million.

The court asks the prosecution, "Why do you believe she is a flight risk?"

DDA Ransom responds, "She was in New York.  She has connections all over the US... (snip) (as the letters support? show?) I think she is a flight risk."

The court and the prosecutor discuss electronic monitoring and if that would change their position.  The prosecution responds that people can get around electronic monitoring. "I don't think it's an (ultimate?) deterrent (to fleeing?)."

The court then makes it's ruling.  Commissioner Block states, "I have read the moving papers and attached letters.  I disagree with the argument of the defense that because the LAPD detective opined the defendant snapped and this should be a manslaughter case.  The (LAPD) are not the charging agency.  (snip) I don't think the district attorney should be held to what charge can be filed because of what the LAPD said in the newspaper."

"I don't agree with the defense argument that it would be difficult to get witnesses to assist in the defense.  That flies in the face of all the letters she received. (snip) Whether the defendant has the resources, that's not something this court is concerned with. It's concerned with the nature of the charges and setting appropriate bail."

The court then opines on why and when the court should deviate from presumptive bail.  "The court also has to consider the circumstances surrounding each defendant.  In this case the court finds that presumptive bail is justified .... (the defendant's age?), the lack of a criminal record, and ties to the community, the court leans against presumptive bail. (snip) The court does not believe $100,000.00 is appropriate. (snip) There was additional information provided by the prosecution surrounding the incident.  The conclusion I've reached, .... I believe the presumptive ..... set bail at $500,000.00."

Commissioner Block states he took into consideration the seriousness (of the crime) and also took into consideration the lack of criminal acts and ties to the community, (that the bail) will be sufficient, subject to electronic monitoring.  The defendant will have reasonable access to medical appointments and religious services.  Those will be the only exceptions to (home confinement).  He invites counsel to list any other (needed exceptions?).

The defense asked that she be allowed to come to their offices, but then conceded that they could meet her at her home.

The court states that no bail will go into effect until electronic monitoring has been set up.

The court then asks what date to set for the preliminary hearing.  After a bit of back and forth, the date for the preliminary hearing will be October 3rd.  The court calendar is set for that date at zero of 30.

Commissioner Block asks the defendant for her plea.  She waives and pleads not guilty.  Commissioner Block is clear in asking the defendant if she gives up her right to a preliminary hearing within (10?) days and that she will have her preliminary hearing on October 3rd 2012, or 30 days there after.  Ms. Goodman answers, "Yes."  The court asks, "Counsel join?"  The defense join and the prosecution agrees.  And that's it.  (I'll be surprised if the preliminary hearing is held that quickly. Sprocket.)

Everyone files outside to see if the prosecution and the defense will speak to the media.

When I get outside, one of the supporters in the gallery for the defendant is speaking to the media.  It's Sid Kulberg, who knew Ms. Goodman through the tennis community. In his statement, Kulberg tells the press, "I don't know her that well personally... (snip) ...and she has been a friend in the tennis community."

First the prosecution team speaks to the media.  Nothing new was said that wasn't already said in court.  Although DDA Sharon Ransom remained composed in accordance with the seriousness of the charges, DDA Lisa Tanner was still nervously smiling when answering questions from the press.  Below is a photo I took of the prosecutors with my cell phone. I'm sorry the image is not that great quality.

DDA Sharon Ransom, left

DDA Lisa Tanner, right

After the prosecution spoke, Alison Triessl spoke to the press about her client's innocence. She mentioned that it was a testament to Ms. Goodman's ties to the community due to the support (snip) (number of people?) ...in the community here today.  She states her client is very confused and that she told Ms. Goodman it may take some time and to please be patient.  I believe she also spoke about her client's many health issues and that she is innocent of the charges.

I've read some news reports that said Ms. Goodman cried while seated at the defense table.  I did not see it. I overheard one of the photographers say they thought she was going to cry, but they did not see tears.

I have uploaded a complete copy of the defense bail reduction motion.  Although the defense motion states there are over forty letters attached, (and that's what many media outlets reported) when I picked up my copy of the defense motion, there were only twenty-two letters of support from Ms. Goodman's family and friends, along with a statement from Ms. Triessl. Several support letters stated they have known Ms. Goodman for up to 30 years and that she is not a violent person.  For privacy, I have deleted E-mail addresses, personal addresses and phone numbers that appeared in the letters.

It should be noted that an anonymous poster left comments on my prior entry about the defendant's first appearance at the Van Nuys court, claiming Ms. Goodman had several physical ailments.  Every single one of those statements by the anonymous poster were also detailed in the defense bail reduction motion.

DEFENSE MOTION FOR BAIL REDUCTION

ABC GMA's August 29th Story
LA Times Now
LA Times Now Earlier Story