Opening statements in Neuman trial expected Tuesday

Opening statements in the murder trial of Hemy Neuman are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in a DeKalb County courtroom.

Last week, jury selection was completed in the highly anticipated trial. The make up of the jury is 12 women and four men.

Neuman is facing murder charges related to the Nov. 18, 2010 killing of Russell “Rusty” Sneiderman, 36. Sneiderman was gunned down outside of Dunwoody Prep, a local pre-school, after he dropped off his then 2-year-old son. 

He has entered a plea of insanity.

One of the first legal issues to be tackled in the case looks to be a discussion of Neuman’s mental state.

Thursday, attorneys talked about a motion filed by the defense to suppress any discussion of Neuman’s delusional issues. The defense said they would not be claiming that the delusions played a part in the 2010 killing.

A defense psychological evaluation, however, discovered that Neuman allegedly believed he was the actual father of Sneiderman’s children and needed to protect them – and saw apparitions of angels and demons.

Evidence in the case also points to an affair prior to the shooting between Neuman and Sneiderman’s wife, Andrea Sneiderman. 

Neuman served as Andrea Sneiderman’s supervisor at GE on Wildwood Parkway. Court documents provide evidence that the two were in “constant communication” before and after Sneiderman was killed.

Neuman knew Russell Sneiderman after they were introduced by Andrea Sneiderman, according to court documents. The two had discussed Neuman’s job search and also financial matters.

Judge Gregory Adams will preside over Neuman's trial.