Son who BLUDGEONED mother to death with a HAMMER and attacked father had mental health issues and 'was degrading for years' - attorney

The hammer-wielding son who brutally beat his mother to death in their California home last year suffered from mental illness that went untreated for years, his defense attorney claims. 

A scowling Scott Goldberg, 21, remained quiet as he appeared in front of a Ventura County judge on Wednesday for an early disposition conference.

Defense attorney Ron Bamieh told DailyMail.com his client has dealt with mental illness for years before he attacked his parents.

A psychiatrist and a psychologist have visited and evaluated Goldberg in jail where he remains on a no bail hold, the attorney said. 

'Scott has a long history of mental  health issues and he was completely degrading at the time of the incident,' Bamieh said. 

'The problem is he never received substantial psychiatric treatment for his mental health and he deteriorated over time.'

Scott Goldberg appeared before a Ventura County Superior Court judge for a brief hearing on March 20, 2024

Defense attorney Ron Bamieh, pictured on the left, said his client suffered from mental health illnesses for years

Prosecutors said Goldberg first charged at his mother, Alison Marshall, striking her on the head with a hammer as they were upstairs in their Newbury Park home the night of November 19. 

Goldberg's father, Brett, heard his wife's screams and ran up the stairs to intervene, but also was attacked by his son, investigators said.

Marshall, 63, was rushed to a local hospital, but died from her injuries two weeks later. Her husband survived his injuries.

Goldberg is facing multiple felony charges, including murder and assault with a deadly weapon. 

He has pleaded not guilty.

Goldberg, 21, graduated from Newbury Park High School in 2020

Scott Goldberg's mug shot showed the 21-year old had visible injuries when he was arrested on Nov. 19, 2024

He also denied special allegation charges that he used a deadly weapon to inflict great bodily injury.

Brett Goldberg, 65, declined to comment when reached by DailyMail.com on Wednesday. 

The family's answering machine, however, still has a cheerful greeting announcing the family of three living together in the Newbury Park home at the quiet block of Mayfield Court.

Bamieh on Wednesday said his client 'looked better than when he was arrested' and was aware of what was happening during the brief hearing.

Goldberg had obvious scratches and gashes above his right eye and on his head when he was arrested in November, which have since healed.

Scott's former friends said the 21-year old was 'always a bit odd.' 

'What happened with him and what he did would shock anyone in this world,' a former acquaintance told DailyMail.com. 

Brett Goldberg, who is in the finance and wealth management business, moved to the Conejo Valley area in the late 1980s with his wife Alison.

His company, Townsgate Wealth Management, had listed Brett as senior vice president and is 'a big advocate for family and community,' according to his bio.

Brett Goldberg, 65, survived his injuries after he was attacked by his son

The doting father even served as a coach for his son's basketball team, which won a league championship in 2013. 

Scott Goldberg remains in Ventura County Jail and is expected to appear back in court on March 14.

Scott Goldberg has been seen by a psychologist and a psychiatrist at the Ventura County jail, according to his defense attorney Ron Bamieh