Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman met with family members of the Menendez brothers, who are seeking their release from prison after decades behind bars. The meeting, lasting approximately three hours, followed years of appeals and recent renewed interest in the case, fueled by documentaries and public advocacy.
Hochman, who assumed office in December, expressed that the meeting was productive. He emphasized his ongoing review of the case, specifically focusing on rehabilitation within the confines of the prison system. He's examining thousands of pages of records to ascertain the potential impact of the Menendez brothers' prison time on their eligibility for resentencing.
The brothers, Lyle and Erik Menendez, were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Despite decades of appeals and recent new evidence related to alleged abuse by their father, they remain incarcerated. Their family's ongoing push for their release continues to receive considerable support from various public figures.
Their current request for release hinges on a habeas corpus petition filed in 2023. This petition asks the court to reconsider the original conviction, considering the recent acknowledgement and understanding of the impact of past sexual abuse. Supporters argue that contemporary awareness of such abuse would have significantly altered the case's outcome.
While previous District Attorney George Gascon had recommended a resentencing that would allow for potential parole, Hochman expressed reservations. He viewed Gascon's prior recommendation as politically motivated. The resentencing hearing, initially scheduled for December, has been postponed to the end of January. Judge Jesic cited the extensive evidence review and Hochman's need for time to thoroughly examine the case.
The Menendez brothers' case continues to capture public interest, with renewed media attention fueled by the ongoing legal process and recent documentaries. They are currently held at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
