In a recent development in the case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has stated that he would reconsider resentencing them if they admit their “lies” regarding the case. Joseph Menendez, known as Lyle, and his brother Erik were convicted of shooting their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion and were sentenced to life in prison in 1996. Hochman’s decision to reconsider resentencing comes after he sought to withdraw former District Attorney George Gascon’s motion for a resentencing hearing, citing the brothers’ repeated lies about the case and interactions with witnesses.
The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, supporters of the Menendez brothers, are expected to rally outside Hochman’s office to advocate for their release. Hochman has accused the brothers of telling over 20 lies in the 30 years since their parents’ murders, only four of which they have acknowledged. He emphasized that for the brothers to be resentenced, they would need to admit to the premeditated nature of the killings and the falsehoods they have propagated about the case.
A resentencing hearing was initially scheduled for March 20 and 21 but has been delayed to April 11. The brothers’ attorneys have argued that they should have been convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, leading to their earlier release from prison. Despite their claims of abuse by their father, Hochman asserted that this was not their defense during the murder trial, and there was a lack of corroboration for the alleged abuse from other sources. Hochman emphasized that the focus remains on the brothers accepting responsibility for the murders.
Former District Attorney George Gascon had initiated efforts to reduce the Menendez brothers’ sentences but was unsuccessful in his re-election bid, with Nathan Hochman taking over the case. Hochman met with both sides of the family to discuss the resentencing issue and has emphasized the need for the brothers to acknowledge the full extent of their criminal activity and lies surrounding the case. The case of the Menendez brothers has garnered renewed attention with the premiere of a documentary in October, which included new audio interviews detailing the brothers’ allegations of sexual assault by their father.
The Menendez brothers continue to maintain their innocence, but Hochman’s insistence on their admission of guilt and lies may impact their chances of resentencing. The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition’s advocacy for the brothers’ release is likely to intensify with Hochman’s decision to reconsider resentencing. The delayed resentencing hearing may provide an opportunity for further discussions and legal proceedings regarding the case and the brothers’ potential release from prison. The controversy surrounding the case, including allegations of abuse and the brothers’ conflicting narratives, remains a focal point in the ongoing legal battle.
