LOS ANGELES — The newly appointed District Attorney of Los Angeles County, Nathan Hochman, recently engaged in a meaningful conversation with family members of the Menendez brothers as he evaluates their request for freedom, 35 years post their conviction for the murder of their parents. Hochman, who took office in December, described the meeting as “productive” and noted that it lasted approximately three hours, during which family members expressed their views on the matter.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted in 1989 for the killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, and subsequently received life sentences without the possibility of parole. Now in their 50s, the brothers have initiated efforts to secure their release in light of new evidence that surfaced regarding their father’s sexual abuse. Their legal representatives filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023, requesting that a court evaluate the legality of their detention based on this newly presented evidence.
The brothers have garnered considerable support from their extended family, who argue that after enduring decades of imprisonment, the brothers deserve a second chance. Various family members have stated that if judged in today’s context, which includes a greater awareness of the repercussions of sexual abuse, the brothers likely would not have faced first-degree murder charges nor received life sentences.
In October 2024, the former District Attorney, George Gascon, suggested that the Menendez brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life, rendering them eligible for parole immediately. However, Hochman criticized this recommendation, branding it as a “desperate political move” and suggesting that Gascon’s timing raised concerns regarding the neutrality of his judgment.
A judge has postponed the hearing for the brothers’ resentencing, which was initially scheduled for early December, to the end of January. Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic indicated that he required additional time to carefully examine the substantial evidence presented, granting Hochman an opportunity to contribute his insights on the case.
In his ongoing review, Hochman is sifting through thousands of pages of prison documentation to assess the rehabilitation aspect of the resentencing process. He noted that indicators of rehabilitation could encompass refraining from illegal activities while incarcerated, initiating programs that assist fellow inmates, and utilizing their time in prison for personal growth.
During the original trials, the defense for the Menendez brothers contended that they were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, a claim that prosecutors contested vehemently, alleging that the motive behind the murders was financial gain. The brothers pursued multiple appeals over the years, all of which were unsuccessful.
Currently, Lyle and Erik Menendez remain incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
