Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Hearing

The district attorney of Los Angeles County, Nathan Hochman, announced on Monday that he does not support the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez. The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. Hochman’s decision is based on the fact that the brothers have repeatedly lied about their motives for the crime.

Hochman stated that his decision hinges on whether the brothers have shown “insight and complete responsibility” for their actions. He believes that their claims of self-defense do not match the evidence, which suggests that the killings were premeditated and made to look like a gang hit. “They have lied to everyone for the last 30 years,” Hochman said.

Comparison to Other Cases

Hochman compared the Menendez case to that of Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. Despite having many letters of support and being deemed a low-risk inmate, Sirhan’s parole was blocked by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 due to the risk he still poses to the public. Hochman called this an “instructive case” because, like Sirhan, the Menendez brothers have not taken full responsibility for their crimes.

Hochman emphasized that he would support resentencing if the brothers “finally come clean with the court, with the public, with the DA’s office, with their own family members, and acknowledge all these lies.” He acknowledged that the siblings have made positive steps towards rehabilitation, including earning advanced degrees and scoring low on inmate risk assessments.

Family Reaction

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, which includes family members of the Menendez brothers, criticized Hochman’s assertion that the brothers do not meet the standards for resentencing. They argued that Erik and Lyle are not the same people they were 30 years ago and have apologized for their actions. The coalition also stated that the brothers have demonstrated their atonement through actions that have improved countless lives.

The brothers’ cousins, including Tamara Goodall, have asked that Hochman be removed from the case, citing bias. However, Hochman rejected this claim, stating that he will “follow the facts and the law wherever they take us.”

Background

The Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996 for the murders of their parents. In recent years, new evidence has emerged about their father’s sexual abuse, and the brothers have begun a bid for freedom. They have the support of most of their extended family and have submitted a clemency plea to Governor Newsom.

In October, then-District Attorney George Gascón recommended that the brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. However, Hochman called this recommendation a “desperate political move.” A resentencing hearing has been scheduled for later in March.

Latest Developments

Governor Newsom announced on Monday that he would propose a new parole board process similar to the review the Menendez brothers are undergoing. This could potentially clear a path for more prison sentences to be shortened. Newsom did not comment on Hochman’s news conference but has stated that he will not make a decision on the brothers’ clemency plea until Hochman reviews the case.

The state parole board has been ordered to investigate whether the brothers would pose a risk to the public if they are released. The Menendez brothers’ case has sparked debate about the justice system and the possibility of rehabilitation for those who have committed serious crimes.

Conclusion

The Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing is a complex and highly publicized case. While the brothers have made efforts to rehabilitate themselves, the district attorney’s office has expressed concerns about their lack of accountability for their crimes. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the brothers will be granted resentencing or parole.

FAQs

Q: What is the current status of the Menendez brothers’ case?

A: The Menendez brothers are currently serving life sentences for the murders of their parents. A resentencing hearing has been scheduled for later in March.

Q: Why does the district attorney not support the brothers’ resentencing?

A: The district attorney believes that the brothers have not taken full responsibility for their crimes and have repeatedly lied about their motives.

Q: What is the significance of the Sirhan Sirhan case in relation to the Menendez brothers’ case?

A: The Sirhan Sirhan case is seen as an “instructive case” because, like the Menendez brothers, Sirhan did not take full responsibility for his crime and was deemed to still pose a risk to the public.

Q: What is the next step in the Menendez brothers’ case?

A: The next step is the resentencing hearing, which is scheduled for later in March. The state parole board will also investigate whether the brothers would pose a risk to the public if they are released.