Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman recently stated that he would reconsider resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez only if the brothers admit to what he describes as decades of lies regarding their defense in the murders of their parents. In a conversation with ABC News, Hochman asserted, "If they sincerely and unequivocally admit for the first time in over 30 years, the full range of their criminal activity and all the lies that they have told about it," he would be open to recommending a change in their sentencing.
The Menendez brothers are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. Hochman’s comments came shortly after he announced a motion to withdraw a previous resentencing petition pursued by his predecessor, George Gascón, who had advocated for a reduction in the Menendez brothers' sentences. Gascón argued that instead of a life terms, they should receive a sentence of 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole immediately given their ages at the time of the crime.
During his interview, Hochman recounted how his office has identified a total of 20 lies related to the brothers' defense claims. While they have admitted to four of those lies, the remaining 16 are central to their assertion of self-defense. Hochman pointedly remarked, "The essence of that checklist is that they'd have to finally admit after 30 years, they killed their parents willfully, deliberately and in premeditated fashion, not because they believed that their parents were going to kill them that night."
Hochman further emphasized that their claims of abuse, which the brothers argue as the foundation of their defense, were unsupported by corroborating evidence during the trial. He stated, "There was no additional corroboration of anyone in 12 years ... who reported on any information that the sexual abuse occurred during those 12 years. Was it the defense that the Menendezes used to first-degree murder? Absolutely not." His comments directly challenge the long-held narrative of abuse that led to the tragic events of that fateful night.
Family members in support of the Menendez brothers, however, have expressed frustration with Hochman's dismissal of their claims. Echoing sentiments voiced by many advocates for their release, one cousin described the DA’s tone as "hostile, dismissive and patronizing" while underscoring the brothers’ public apologies and admissions of guilt regarding their actions. Lyle Menendez himself countered Hochman’s assertions in a Facebook post, stating, "Of all those 'lies' [Hochman] talked about, several of them were admitted/stipulated to in the first trial. ... And several other 'lies' were absolutely disproven or reasonably disputed."
As Hochman prepares for a hearing on his motion to withdraw the resentencing request, scheduled for April 11, the legal ramifications of this case continue to evolve. Depending on the court's decision, a resentencing hearing could take place on April 17 and 18, 2025. The DA suggested he would assess the judge's reasoning if the ruling favored a hearing before the parole board, saying, "If the judge does his job and looks at all the factors and reaches a different conclusion than us," the office would not appeal.
In addition to the motion to withdraw, the Menendez brothers are pursuing other avenues to freedom. They have submitted a habeas corpus petition to the court, highlighting new evidence that was not presented during their original trial. This includes a letter Erik wrote to a cousin eight months before the murders, detailing allegations of abuse, and testimonials from a former boy band member accusing Jose Menendez of rape. Hochman, however, has called for the denial of this petition, arguing that the new evidence lacks credibility.
Governor Gavin Newsom has also weighed in on the matter, recently ordering the parole board to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment regarding the potential release of the Menendez brothers. This investigation will look into whether they pose to the public if granted clemency. Newsom’s requirement for this extensive review underscores the seriousness of the case and the complexities surrounding it.
As the clock winds down to the upcoming court dates, the Menendez brothers’ fate hangs in the balance. The potential outcomes of these hearings could dramatically alter their lives and the public's perception of one of the most infamous cases in California history. The Menendez legacy is not just a tale of crime but reflects broader societal issues of justice, abuse, and the possibility of redemption after decades behind bars.
