LOS ANGELES — The newly appointed Los Angeles County District Attorney is actively reviewing the case of the Menendez brothers as they seek freedom 35 years after their conviction for the murder of their parents.
Nathan Hochman, who assumed office in December, reported a “productive session” with the family members of the Menendez brothers, where they discussed their views on the potential release of Lyle and Erik Menendez. The meeting lasted approximately three hours.
The brothers were convicted in 1989 for the killings of Jose and Kitty Menendez, resulting in life sentences without parole. Now in their 50s, they have initiated a bid for freedom following new allegations of their father’s sexual abuse. In May 2023, their legal team filed a habeas corpus petition, requesting the court to reevaluate their detention based on the emerging evidence.
Support for the brothers’ release has grown among their extended family, many of whom assert that given today’s increased awareness and sensitivity regarding sexual abuse, the brothers would likely not have faced first-degree murder convictions.
In a previous recommendation, former District Attorney George Gascon suggested resentencing the brothers to 50 years to life, thereby allowing them immediate eligibility for parole. Hochman criticized Gascon’s action as a “desperate political move,” claiming it undermined the impartiality expected in such a significant decision.
A judge has postponed the brothers’ resentencing hearing, initially scheduled for early December, to late January, to allow for a thorough review of evidence and to provide Hochman adequate time to assess the case.
Hochman expressed his commitment to meticulously go through thousands of pages of prison records to evaluate factors of rehabilitation, which may include evidence of no illegal activity while incarcerated, involvement in programs aiding fellow inmates, and personal development efforts during their time in prison.
During their initial trials, the defense presented allegations of sexual abuse by their father, while prosecutors contended that the motive for the murders was financial gain. Subsequent appeals to overturn their convictions have been unsuccessful.
The Menendez brothers are currently incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
