United States Department of Justice

“ Longstanding FBI policy counsels against direct contact between barricaded subjects and their family members. In prior experiences with hostage takers, law enforcement has learned that a direct contact between a family member and the subject can sometimes trigger a sudden, violent reaction by the subject.
However, the FBI did allow direct contact between those Davidians who had left the compound and those who remained inside, to give those inside confidence that they would be treated well upon their departure. ”

“ V. Family and other Outside Contacts A. Introduction During the standoff the FBI engaged in extensive contact with family members and associates of those inside the compound. The FBI received many inquiries from family members about the ongoing standoff and the status of their relatives inside. The FBI provided as much information as possible to the family members to keep them informed. The FBI also interviewed many of the family members, friends, and former compound members to gather as much relevant intelligence about the compound and its inhabitants as possible. ”

“ March 8, 1993 -- Koresh sent a video out from the compound to the FBI, in which Koresh shows his children. FBI doctors and other experts viewed the videotape.
March 8, 1993 -- The FBI played tape recordings of Joe Santoya speaking to his sister, compound member Juliette Santoya Martinez, and to his mother, Ophelia Santoya. Ophelia left the compound on March 21; Juliette remained inside and died on April 19. ”