California Governor Defers Clemency Decision on Menendez Brothers
As Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is unlikely to see through his proposal to early release Lyle and Erik Menendez, the California governor said Monday that he will not make any clemency decision on the infamous case of the brothers convicted of murdering their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion nearly 30 years ago.
Background on the Case
The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Mary Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. The case drew widespread media attention due to the brutality of the crime and the brothers’ claims of being abused by their father.
Gov. Newsom’s Decision
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said that it will wait until District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman reviews and analyzes the case before deciding whether to stick with Gascón’s recommendation to release the brothers on parole.
“The governor respects the role of the district attorney in ensuring justice is served and recognizes that voters have entrusted District Attorney-elect Hochman to carry out this responsibility,” the governor’s office said. “The governor will defer to the DA-elect’s review and analysis of the Menendez case prior to making any clemency decisions.”
DA-elect Hochman’s Approach
Hochman himself told NBCLA that he will review the files and speak to those involved in the case before considering resentencing.
“I know where to start. I know how to do it expeditiously, and if I need more time, I’ll ask the court for more time, but I won’t engage in delay for delay’s sake,” Hochman said. “The Menendez brothers need to know what the answer is, the victims’ family members need to know what the answer is, the public needs to know what that answer is.”
Gascón’s Proposal
Gascón had pushed to the resentencing of the Menendez brothers due to new evidence that may support their claim of sexual abuse by their father as well as a determination that the brothers are no threat to society.
“I believe they have paid their debt to society,” Gascón said in October, underlining the brothers’ claims that they were sexually abused by their father and comparing Lyle and Erik to women in abusive relationships.
Gascón also said the convicted brothers engaged in “the journey of redemption and rehabilitation,” leading prison groups for inmates who suffer from untreated trauma and physical disabilities.
Conclusion
The fate of the Menendez brothers remains uncertain as the California governor and District Attorney-elect Hochman weigh their options. While Gascón believes the brothers have paid their debt to society, the victims’ family members and the public remain skeptical. The case is a complex and emotionally charged one, and only time will tell what the outcome will be.
FAQs
Q: Why is the California governor deferring clemency decision on the Menendez brothers?
A: The governor is deferring to the District Attorney-elect’s review and analysis of the case before making any clemency decisions.
Q: What is the current status of the Menendez brothers’ case?
A: The brothers are currently serving life sentences for the murder of their parents, and District Attorney-elect Hochman is reviewing the case to determine whether they should be resentenced.
Q: What is the basis for Gascón’s proposal to release the Menendez brothers?
A: Gascón believes that new evidence supports the brothers’ claim of sexual abuse by their father, and that they have undergone rehabilitation and are no longer a threat to society.
Q: What is the reaction of the victims’ family members to Gascón’s proposal?
A: The victims’ family members have expressed outrage and disbelief at Gascón’s proposal, arguing that the brothers have not paid their debt to society and should not be released from prison.
