In An Instant

EP 13: Safe Families, Safe Communities - Gates for AG

In the years since the fateful night on November 4, 2022 I have watched a system that was supposed to protect my family fail them at every turn - from DA Wagstaffe's office to Attorney General Bonta himself. What happens when the system built to protect victims becomes the second injury? I sit down with Michael Gates [https://www.gates4ag.com/] - attorney, former Huntington Beach City Attorney, and candidate for California Attorney General, to talk about street racing, accountability, prosecutorial failure, and the Marsy's Law rights that too many families never actually receive. We talk about what accountability really looks like, what Marsy's Law is supposed to mean, and what justice should look like when California finally decides that victims' lives matter as much as offenders' second chances. We talk policy. And we talk about what he would do differently for families like mine. This one is personal. It always is.

EP 12: The Revolving Door - Chung for Change

Career prosecutor and DA candidate Daniel Chung [https://www.chungforchange.com/] joins us to make the case for change in Santa Clara County's justice system. A Bay Area native who spent nearly two decades inside the very office he's running to lead, Daniel breaks down what he calls a "revolving door" for violent and repeat offenders, the years-long delays leaving victims' families without justice, and the policy reforms he'd put in place on Day 1. We also discuss the case that has gripped our community, the deaths of Andrew and Stacia Stuart, the Gilroy parents struck and killed in a crosswalk while dropping their 7-year-old twins off at school - and why, almost four months later, the DA's office has still said nothing publicly about the status of charges. If you live in Santa Clara County and care about who's in that DA seat this June, this one's for you. Visit chungforchange.com [https://www.chungforchange.com/] to learn about Daniel’s background and his mission.

EP 11: At the End of the Day

Join us in this heartfelt episode as Maria Liza reflects on the complexities of grief, loss, and the search for justice during the holiday season. She delves into the profound impact of cumulative grief, specifically Grace and Greg, marking four difficult Christmases without them. Maria Liza also shares juggling parenting responsibilities and navigating the intricate web of legal challenges while seeking some kind of closure for her family.

EP 10: 108 - Under the Radar

On the 3-year anniversary of the deaths of Greg and Grace, the pain and suffering continue for each of us, in different ways and for various reasons. Imagine for a moment how we felt when critical evidence was shared with us after Morales’ sentencing that could have changed the course of our case—a case where the defendant(s) have yet to show us any remorse or accountability, even working hard to create a narrative that blames others. The defense was granted a 6-month extension to prepare for the adult transfer hearing, but when the plaintiff was assigned a new District Attorney only two weeks before the adult transfer started, he was denied an extension request and not allowed the same courtesy to prepare. Reflecting on these moments brings pause to wonder what if this vital information had been accessible all along, never making its way into the courtroom. Who should be held accountable to acknowledge this critical fact and make it right for the victims' family? What should the repercussions be, and don’t we all want to ask WHY?

EP 9: Half Truths

In this episode, we take a closer look at the developing narrative surrounding the tragedy that have affected countless individuals. Throughout the last year, significant new information has surfaced that could have shifted the trajectory of our case. Maria Liza confronts the persistent inaccuracies in media portrayals, shedding light on the serious misrepresentations at play. Additionally, this episode highlights the deep frustrations felt by victims and their families regarding the perpetrators, raising questions about their responsibility while underscoring the suffering they endure. Listeners are invited to examine the misrepresentations of juvenile justice that persist in the public eye. Committed to prioritizing truth over perception, this episode explores personal identity amidst tragedy, fostering a deeper understanding and advocacy for those affected. Join us as we seek the truth, revealing a clearer path forward.