The most recent hearing in the case of the alleged Dunwoody daycare killer concerns his separation from his wife.
The divorce attorney for Hemy Neuman's estranged wife, Ariela, is trying to get access to all his holdings. To that end, they want to talk to the widow of victim Rusty Sneiderman.
"We have sent the subpoena for deposition to Andrea Sneiderman, who we believe to be Mr. Neuman's paramour," said attorney Esther Panitch in a Thursday court hearing. "We believe marital funds were expended on her to conceal their relationship, and that she is aware of those funds."
Panitch is also seeking to gain access to the records of the DeKalb County district attorney concerning the murder investigation. She has subpoenaed A. D. A. Don Geary and the state's complete investigatory file.
Russell "Rusty" Sneiderman was shot to death in November 2010, minutes after he dropped his son off for the morning at Dunwoody Prep. Police arrested Hemy Neuman, contending that he had worn a disguise and rented a vehicle to ambush Sneiderman. Court records indicate that Neuman and Mrs. Sneiderman were carrying on an affair. The two worked together at GE Energy.
Panitch contends Neuman is hiding assets. She disputes the contention of his attorney, Joe Winter, that the husband has been completely forthcoming.
"Mr. Winter continues to say that his client has offered everything he has, but we believe that there are assets that are missing, and that there are assets that are hidden," said Panitch.
She and Neuman's lawyer sparred repeatedly over topics ranging from money to computer passwords to the alleged affair.
"We don't believe Mr. Neuman," said Panitch. "He is a liar."
Andrea Sneiderman's attorney Seth Kirschenbaum countered, "She is trying to now cast aspersions on counsel and alleging collusion in front of--"
"You called me a media whore!" Panitch fired back.
Sneiderman's and Neuman's lawyers were arguing parallel ideas--each trying to keep Andrea from testifying. Winter said that they can turn over any and all financial documents without her taking the stand. Her attorney made it clear that she is not in Neuman's legal corner.
"No one on this earth wants him convicted more than my client," said Seth Kirschenbaum.
