<![CDATA[In An Instant]]>https://www.justiceforgotten.comhttps://d32kcwy5dai345.cloudfront.net/82e7d1a5-cb08-44e5-9980-dd9f04de1d99.jpgIn An Instanthttps://www.justiceforgotten.comPodcast for NodeFri, 17 Jul 2026 04:58:49 GMTMaria LizaIn An Instant shines a light on the often-overlooked stories of crime victims. Maria Liza candidly shares her journey, recounting how her life took a devastating turn on the evening of November 4, 2022 and the harsh realities that followed.episodicMaria Liza instantwithmarializa@gmail.comYes<![CDATA[EP 14: Part 1 - Made Whole: A Conversation With Margaret Petros]]>Margaret Petros has spent forty years standing beside victims of violent crime, and in this first half of our conversation she traces the path that brought her there. She arrived in the United States from Iraq at fifteen, carrying the weight of discrimination and displacement, and that early experience became the foundation for a lifetime of advocacy. As the driving force behind Mothers Against Murder, Margaret talks about what she found broken in the system and why she refused to accept it, including MAM's landmark court victory that restored in-person hearings before the California Victim Compensation Board after fifteen years of a paper-only process. We also lay the groundwork on restitution itself, what it is, what losses it can cover, who decides the amount, and how an advocate helps families document their full story so the court sees the complete picture.


]]>af5d0bac-0415-4367-a93f-c8a9f77d8c9c_6Z1ucSZvXAFri, 10 Jul 2026 20:10:28 GMTMargaret Petros has spent forty years standing beside victims of violent crime, and in this first half of our conversation she traces the path that brought her there. She arrived in the United States from Iraq at fifteen, carrying the weight of discrimination and displacement, and that early experience became the foundation for a lifetime of advocacy. As the driving force behind Mothers Against Murder, Margaret talks about what she found broken in the system and why she refused to accept it, including MAM's landmark court victory that restored in-person hearings before the California Victim Compensation Board after fifteen years of a paper-only process. We also lay the groundwork on restitution itself, what it is, what losses it can cover, who decides the amount, and how an advocate helps families document their full story so the court sees the complete picture.


]]><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Margaret Petros has spent forty years standing beside victims of violent crime, and in this first half of our conversation she traces the path that brought her there. She arrived in the United States from Iraq at fifteen, carrying the weight of discrimination and displacement, and that early experience became the foundation for a lifetime of advocacy. As the driving force behind </span><a href="https://mothersagainstmurder.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Mothers Against Murder</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">, Margaret talks about what she found broken in the system and why she refused to accept it, including MAM's landmark court victory that restored in-person hearings before the California Victim Compensation Board after fifteen years of a paper-only process. We also lay the groundwork on restitution itself, what it is, what losses it can cover, who decides the amount, and how an advocate helps families document their full story so the court sees the complete picture.</span></p><p><br></p>No00:38:45full<![CDATA[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 - 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.

]]>00f444b4-7350-4c2c-9297-0613be095fb3_6Z1ucSZvXAMon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:40 GMTIn 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 - 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.

]]><p>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.</p><p>What happens when the system built to protect victims becomes the second injury?</p><p>I sit down with <a href="https://www.gates4ag.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Gates</a> - 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.</p>No00:40:04full<![CDATA[EP 12: The Revolving Door - Chung for Change]]>Career prosecutor and DA candidate Daniel Chung 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 to learn about Daniel’s background and his mission.

]]>62c51728-1805-46d0-b448-30d18254916c_6Z1ucSZvXAWed, 06 May 2026 18:48:06 GMTCareer prosecutor and DA candidate Daniel Chung 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 to learn about Daniel’s background and his mission.

]]><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;">Career prosecutor and DA candidate </span><a href="https://www.chungforchange.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;">Daniel Chung</a><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;"> 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. </span>Visit <a href="https://www.chungforchange.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chungforchange.com</a> to learn about Daniel’s background and his mission.</p>No00:51:04full<![CDATA[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.

]]>e978c78f-82c2-4317-b90c-03c5f432d3c4_6Z1ucSZvXATue, 16 Dec 2025 20:12:39 GMTJoin 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.

]]><p>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.&nbsp;Maria Liza also shares juggling parenting responsibilities and navigating the intricate web of legal challenges while seeking some kind of closure for her family.</p>No00:07:41full<![CDATA[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?

]]>5976b101-f196-49d5-896c-5397be6ebcb8_6Z1ucSZvXATue, 04 Nov 2025 14:06:12 GMTOn 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?

]]><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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? </span></p>No00:22:02full<![CDATA[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.

]]>8dd33e8e-1120-484a-9157-88b2bea3023c_6Z1ucSZvXAMon, 06 Oct 2025 17:24:26 GMTIn 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.

]]><p>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.</p>No00:11:59full<![CDATA[EP 8: Part II - Whatever It Takes]]>In Part II of Whatever It Takes, Maria Liza and Jeff discuss a troubling family that attempted to take the girls out of state. They emphasize the importance of having a trust and a will in place, and express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported them since November 2022, especially during another recent family death. 

]]>a7a6e2c1-441e-4c10-b294-c5b8230066c2_6Z1ucSZvXAMon, 30 Jun 2025 16:01:30 GMTIn Part II of Whatever It Takes, Maria Liza and Jeff discuss a troubling family that attempted to take the girls out of state. They emphasize the importance of having a trust and a will in place, and express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported them since November 2022, especially during another recent family death. 

]]><p>In Part II of Whatever It Takes, Maria Liza and Jeff discuss a troubling family that attempted to take the girls out of state. They emphasize the importance of having a trust and a will in place, and express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported them since November 2022, especially during another recent family death.&nbsp;</p>No00:28:36full<![CDATA[EP 7: The Danger Zone]]>In this episode, Maria Liza brings insights from some community members, along with a troubling discovery from juvenile rehabilitation that highlights concerns. She also reveals a finding from juvenile rehabilitation in San Mateo County that emphasizes the need for a focus on victims who are intended to be considered, yet have not received the necessary attention in the 30 months since the crime occurred.

]]>997a75a9-8dd1-447d-82c4-9162f6e45ee3_6Z1ucSZvXAThu, 03 Apr 2025 19:44:01 GMTIn this episode, Maria Liza brings insights from some community members, along with a troubling discovery from juvenile rehabilitation that highlights concerns. She also reveals a finding from juvenile rehabilitation in San Mateo County that emphasizes the need for a focus on victims who are intended to be considered, yet have not received the necessary attention in the 30 months since the crime occurred.

]]><p>In this episode, Maria Liza brings insights from some community members, along with a troubling discovery from juvenile rehabilitation that highlights concerns.&nbsp;She also reveals a finding from juvenile rehabilitation in San Mateo County that emphasizes the need for a focus on victims who are intended to be considered, yet have not received the necessary attention in the 30 months since the crime occurred.</p>No00:19:27full<![CDATA[EP 6: Grace]]>Happy 45th Birthday Grace! I love you.

]]>ddc90164-7e5d-4aa6-b2d2-b1be2712f27f_6Z1ucSZvXASun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:37 GMTHappy 45th Birthday Grace! I love you.

]]><p>Happy 45th Birthday Grace! I love you. </p>No00:11:37full<![CDATA[EP 5: An Untimely Demise]]>I had been contemplating what to say regarding Kyle Harrison's sentencing for the past few weeks. However, after hearing about his passing this weekend, I felt it was important to share my initial thoughts.

]]>cbedd16e-cd41-4fef-9c54-1dc75c294b22_6Z1ucSZvXAWed, 19 Mar 2025 17:23:03 GMTI had been contemplating what to say regarding Kyle Harrison's sentencing for the past few weeks. However, after hearing about his passing this weekend, I felt it was important to share my initial thoughts.

]]><p>I had been contemplating what to say regarding Kyle Harrison's sentencing for the past few weeks. However, after hearing about his passing this weekend, I felt it was important to share my initial thoughts.</p>No00:17:16full<![CDATA[EP 4: Part I - Whatever It Takes]]>In Part I of Whatever It Takes, my husband, Jeff, and I delve into how our lives changed in a heartbeat on the night of November 4, 2022, along with the subsequent developments that have occurred. There's a lot to unpack and discuss!

]]>4cc53eb4-d59d-4e10-8a41-0d587b8d5d76_6Z1ucSZvXAThu, 13 Mar 2025 18:04:03 GMTIn Part I of Whatever It Takes, my husband, Jeff, and I delve into how our lives changed in a heartbeat on the night of November 4, 2022, along with the subsequent developments that have occurred. There's a lot to unpack and discuss!

]]><p>In Part I of Whatever It Takes, my husband, Jeff, and I delve into how our lives changed in a heartbeat on the night of November 4, 2022, along with the subsequent developments that have occurred. There's a lot to unpack and discuss!</p>No00:27:49full<![CDATA[EP 3: System Failure]]>Maria Liza talks about the failures of the current judicial system with her friends, who have supported her since her family's tragedy. They've attended court on significant dates and express how the system has failed the victims, particularly as street racing has become increasingly common.

]]>4574fcac-d228-4706-9fa8-a592955b02f4_6Z1ucSZvXATue, 25 Feb 2025 11:00:07 GMTMaria Liza talks about the failures of the current judicial system with her friends, who have supported her since her family's tragedy. They've attended court on significant dates and express how the system has failed the victims, particularly as street racing has become increasingly common.

]]><p>Maria Liza talks about the failures of the current judicial system with her friends, who have supported her since her family's tragedy. They've attended court on significant dates and express how the system has failed the victims, particularly as street racing has become increasingly common.</p>No00:23:15full<![CDATA[EP 2: The Forgotten Side]]>In this episode, Maria Liza shares her victim impact statement and her requests for sentencing. Since the time of this recording, it was confirmed that Judge Etezadi did not consider any of Maria Liza's requests. Additionally, defense attorney Nowack mentioned during the sentencing that Mr. Morales was unable to write an apology letter due to a pending civil lawsuit.

]]>78d08cab-b64c-4d96-b350-cc546cd152b4_6Z1ucSZvXAThu, 13 Feb 2025 01:30:52 GMTIn this episode, Maria Liza shares her victim impact statement and her requests for sentencing. Since the time of this recording, it was confirmed that Judge Etezadi did not consider any of Maria Liza's requests. Additionally, defense attorney Nowack mentioned during the sentencing that Mr. Morales was unable to write an apology letter due to a pending civil lawsuit.

]]><p>In this episode, Maria Liza shares her victim impact statement and her requests for sentencing. Since the time of this recording, it was confirmed that Judge Etezadi did not consider any of Maria Liza's requests. Additionally, defense attorney Nowack mentioned during the sentencing that Mr. Morales was unable to write an apology letter due to a pending civil lawsuit.</p>No00:15:12full<![CDATA[EP 1: The Kangaroo Incident]]>The Kangaroo Incident marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Maria Liza. Join us to discover the motivation behind her podcast and what topics are on the horizon. This platform is dedicated to revealing the Truth, steering clear of the narratives often spun by the media.

]]>83d0913c-058b-4e58-a315-92252a34b899_6Z1ucSZvXAThu, 06 Feb 2025 17:11:04 GMTThe Kangaroo Incident marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Maria Liza. Join us to discover the motivation behind her podcast and what topics are on the horizon. This platform is dedicated to revealing the Truth, steering clear of the narratives often spun by the media.

]]><p>The Kangaroo Incident marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Maria Liza. Join us to discover the motivation behind her podcast and what topics are on the horizon. This platform is dedicated to revealing the Truth, steering clear of the narratives often spun by the media.</p>No00:19:17full