David Conn, a distinguished former prosecutor renowned for his pivotal role in the retrial of the Menendez brothers murder case, has passed away at the age of 56. His death marks the end of a notable legal career characterized by success in prosecuting complex and high-profile cases. Known in legal circles as a formidable figure, David Conn Lawyer, as he was often recognized, left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and the broader legal community.
Conn died at his home in Dana Point, California, succumbing to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, five months after his diagnosis. His passing was confirmed by Rosemary, his wife of 34 years. Before his move into private practice in 1997, Conn dedicated 18 years to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, building a reputation as a meticulous and effective prosecutor. Time magazine once depicted this New York native, impeccably dressed and polished, as a “Clark Kent type,” a testament to his professional demeanor and sharp intellect.
His departure from the DA’s office followed a public disagreement with then District Attorney Gil Garcetti. Despite this, Conn’s career was studded with significant victories. Early in his career, he secured a conviction against Dan Haggerty, the actor famed for “Grizzly Adams,” in a 1985 cocaine dealing case. Further cementing his reputation as a skilled David Conn lawyer, he achieved convictions against serial killer Bill Bradford in 1988 and multiple individuals involved in the infamous “Cotton Club” murder of movie producer Roy Radin in 1990 and 1991.
District Attorney Steve Cooley acknowledged Conn’s significant contributions, stating, “David was one of the most talented prosecutors to serve in this office in recent history. He was a big case guy… quite capable of taking on the major cases and handling them as if they were routine.” This sentiment underscores the respect Conn commanded within the legal fraternity as a highly capable David Conn lawyer.
The Menendez case undoubtedly represented the zenith of Conn’s career and the most formidable challenge he faced. Following hung juries in the initial 1994 trial, where the defense argued that Erik and Lyle Menendez were victims of abuse who killed their parents in self-defense, Conn took a different strategic approach in the 1996 retrial. Unlike the original prosecution, Conn directly confronted and undermined the abuse defense, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the brothers’ patricide and matricide. This revised strategy proved successful, leading to convictions that solidified his status as a leading David Conn lawyer.
Beyond his professional achievements as a David Conn lawyer, he is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and their two daughters. His legacy extends beyond the courtroom, remembered by colleagues and those who followed his career as a dedicated advocate for justice and a formidable presence in the legal world.
