The newly-elected Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, has requested the court to reject the Menendez brothers’ plea for a new trial. This is in response to former DA George Gascon’s claim of new evidence regarding alleged abuse by their father that could warrant a new trial. Hochman questioned the credibility of the evidence, particularly a letter allegedly written by Erik Menendez detailing sexual abuse by the father, stating that it did not meet the standard required for a new trial. He also mentioned delays in bringing forward this motion, which could impact its admissibility.
Hochman’s decision was met with criticism from the Menendez family, who expressed disappointment in his remarks. They argued that dismissing the alleged abuse and trauma experienced by Erik and Lyle is not only outrageous but also dangerous. The family believes that abuse leaves lasting scars and can lead to actions such as the killing of their parents in 1989. They accused the justice system of failing the brothers in the past and continuing to do so by ignoring crucial evidence and silencing survivors who have faced similar disbelief and trauma.
The family called out Hochman for attempting to erase key testimony that was withheld from the jury during the trial and for dismissing the experiences of Erik and Lyle. They emphasized the need for justice to be served based on the overwhelming rehabilitation of the brothers, as well as the standards set by California Penal Code 1172.1 and AB 600. The family hopes that Judge Jesic will carefully examine the evidence without prejudice and adhere to California law with a modern understanding of trauma to ensure a fair outcome.
The Menendez family expressed their frustration at living with the weight of what Erik and Lyle endured for over three decades, including abuse, fear, and a justice system that failed to recognize them as victims. They have fought tirelessly for the truth to be acknowledged and are proud of the progress the brothers have made in their lives despite their circumstances. The family’s ultimate goal is to see justice served and the decades-long injustice to be righted so they can finally heal and move forward.
Hochman’s decision to deny the Menendez brothers’ new trial request is based on the lack of credibility in the evidence presented, the delay in bringing forward the motion, and issues with its admissibility. The family, in response, argues that Hochman’s actions disregard the trauma and abuse experienced by the brothers, which played a crucial role in the events leading up to the killings of their parents. They maintain that the justice system has failed Erik and Lyle in the past and are hopeful for a fair examination of the evidence by Judge Jesic to finally bring justice and closure to their case.
