Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman held a meeting with the family of the Menendez brothers on Friday to discuss the possibility of resentencing that could lead to their release. The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, have been in custody for nearly 35 years for the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty. The family argues that the brothers acted in “imperfect” self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father.
During a press conference, Hochman described the meeting as “productive” and mentioned that he has not yet made a decision on the matter. Former District Attorney George Gascón had filed a petition in October to have the brothers’ sentences reduced, making them eligible for parole. A hearing on this request is scheduled for January 30-31.
Hochman, who succeeded Gascón in November, criticized his predecessor during the campaign. He is currently reviewing extensive court records and transcripts before making a decision on the case. Hochman expects to have a decision by the upcoming hearing date.
More than 20 members of the Menendez and Andersen families met with Hochman to discuss the case. The family expressed hope for an open and fair discussion and highlighted the brothers’ positive contributions to their community over the past three decades.
The Menendez brothers’ lawyer, Mark Geragos, was expected to hold a press conference following the meeting but canceled it. The family did not attend Hochman’s press conference.
The murder of Jose and Kitty Menendez in 1989 resulted in the brothers being sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 1996. However, one family member, Kitty’s brother Milton Andersen, has opposed resentencing. His attorney, Kathleen Cady, has been hired to work in Hochman’s administration, leading to accusations of a conflict of interest by the Menendez family lawyer, Bryan Freedman.
Despite the controversy, Hochman stated that there is no conflict of interest in the case. The release of the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” in September has brought renewed public attention to the case. The family has also presented new evidence supporting their claims of abuse and their right to a new trial.
Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to consider a request for clemency, but he has indicated that he will defer to Hochman’s decision on the matter. The case continues to evolve as Hochman navigates the complexities of the legal system and the family’s pleas for justice.
