First, nothing Im about to say condones the familys stupid demands for an apology from the Alexanders; nor does it forgive JAs clan for other callous behaviors.
Its apparent from the police interviews with JAs Mom and Dad, that both of JAs parents knew something was seriously off with their daughter. Upon learning about TAs murder, Mom confronted JA about traveling to AZ (to which IIRC -- JA answered, no; and I have the receipts to prove it). Dad thought TA was supposed to marry her (JA).
They were clueless. What they knew of TA and the alleged TA/JA relationship was based on JAs lies.
And I felt for them as I watched these early interviews. We later learned that G-pa argued with the arresting officers
went to JAs employer to gather JAs time cards, to prove JA COULDNT have been in Mesa during the murder
then discovered ANOTHER JA lie. I cried when I read that.
My point is: JAs family and EXTENDED family -- lives in a rural, small town.
The entire family is known in the community. If JAs actions cant be -- on some level -- justified, the impact to JAs immediate and extended family goes well beyond embarrassment. To admit ones daughter/sister/niece/cousin is a cold-blooded murderer? Embarrassment is the LEAST of it.
Try ostracism.
IMO, JAs family also retains a shred of (baseless) hope that someway, someday JA will get a new trial where shell present fresh evidence of DV. Not. Ever. Gonna. Happen. But, in the meantime, JAs family is charged (by the Manipulator) to keep up appearances.
As to the nut-jobs who STILL think JAs bloody hands are virginally clean? I sincerely hope none of them are my neighbors.