IMO many people in this thread have very false assumptions about the family being "closed off" or like a "cult" in that they are isolated and don't talk to people outside of their family, or that they only talk to people of a similar lifestyle to theirs.
Not just my opinion-- I'm a local. There's nothing in it for me to be posting this, as I'm not personally friends with the family; it's just a small town area so I tend to see them around. They are actually very social and engage with the community frequently, have lots of friends, are very friendly to those around them. I can say with certainty they definitely do NOT just stick to talking to people who lead a similar lifestyle or are home schooled or whatever.
IMO, a well-rounded opinion of the circumstances surrounding this case would take into account the political and social dynamics in the county. There are plenty of rumors and accusations (both online and within the local community) surrounding the DA Czajka. IMO this is due to a combination of: 1) mudslinging by opponents in past runs for the DA's office, Eugene Keeler being apparently a major contributor, 2) disgruntled locals who have found themselves in the hot seat in Czajka's court and are now motivated to spread conspiracy theories about him, and 3) MOO - potentially actual corrupt behavior by the DA and his administration. Possibly the rumors are unfounded, but
there are some mentions in MSM. Also
here. Users of this forum have probably come across Jeffrey Yeh and his social media outlets, which helps to inform a picture of the atmosphere of anti-authoritarian vigilantism that is a palpable reality in the area and has to be considered as part of the larger picture. This is not to justify any actions or statements by the family, simply to provide background for some of the distrust of local government. Clearly certain people in the family could very well still be personally held accountable, and that is playing out in court currently.
Also worth mentioning is the culture prevalent in the community surrounding natural foods, holistic living and iconoclasm. For example, the Hawthorne Valley farms/Waldorf school/community is a major force in the area. My point is that the family's supposed unconventionality isn't that out of the ordinary if you take into context the local cultural circumstances. Almost reminds me of the cultures in some of the more isolated small towns in California, if anybody here is familiar. IMO