Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman recommended on Friday that a judge reject Erik and Lyle Menendez's request for a new trial in the 1989 killings of their parents. The brothers filed a petition claiming new evidence of abuse by their father, but Hochman opposed this request. However, Hochman did not announce his decision on the brothers' separate resentencing request, stating that he would address it in the upcoming weeks before a scheduled hearing in March.
After spending over three decades in prison for the murders of their parents, the Menendez brothers have been seeking various avenues for their release, including a resentencing request, a petition for clemency to Governor Gavin Newsom, and a habeas corpus petition. Hochman's opposition to the habeas petition has shifted the momentum that had been building in the brothers' favor under his predecessor, George Gascón.
During their trials, the brothers admitted to the killings but argued against premeditated murder due to alleged lifelong physical and sexual abuse by their father. Despite their claims, they were sentenced to life without parole in 1996. The recent emergence of potential new evidence, including a letter from Erik Menendez referencing abuse by his father, has reignited national interest in the case.
Hochman dismissed the claim that the letter constitutes new evidence, accusing the brothers of dishonesty. He emphasized that the defense should have presented the letter during the trial if it truly existed. Hochman has been reviewing the case since assuming office in December and has met with the brothers' family members to gather their perspectives on the potential release.
The Menendez family, apart from one member, has supported the brothers' release and expressed disappointment in Hochman's decision. They highlighted the impact of abuse on the brothers' lives and urged Hochman to reconsider his stance on the resentencing request.
While Gascón had recommended resentencing the brothers to life in prison with parole eligibility, Hochman's approach remains undisclosed. He emphasized the need to thoroughly review all aspects of the case before making a recommendation to a judge. The decision on resentencing will consider factors such as the brothers' rehabilitation efforts in prison.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes are on Hochman as he navigates the complex legal and emotional dimensions of the Menendez brothers' bid for freedom.
