LA District Attorney Opposes Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has announced his opposition to the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, arguing the brothers have not taken full responsibility for their actions. His decision reverses a move by his predecessor, who had supported a reduced sentence that would make them eligible for parole. Hochman cited the brothers’ long history of “lies” regarding the 1989 murders of their parents, calling their self-defense claim “fabricated.”
The Menendez brothers, convicted in 1996, admitted to the killings but claimed they acted out of fear due to years of sexual and physical abuse. While Hochman acknowledged their rehabilitation efforts in prison, including earning degrees and mentoring other inmates, he maintained that they have failed to fully acknowledge their premeditated actions. He argued that the case was similar to that of Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy, whose parole was denied despite letters of support.
A resentencing hearing is still scheduled for later this month, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the parole board to assess whether the brothers pose a risk to society. Newsom will ultimately decide on their clemency request, though he has not commented on Hochman’s decision. Meanwhile, family members and supporters of the Menendez brothers continue to push for their release, arguing they have atoned for their crimes.
Tensions between the Menendez family and Hochman have escalated. A cousin of the brothers accused Hochman of bias and filed a complaint against him, claiming he had a “hostile, dismissive, and patronizing tone” when discussing the case. However, Hochman defended his stance, saying he had carefully reviewed the case and met with family members on both sides before reaching his decision.
While most surviving family members now support the brothers’ release, their late uncle, Milton Andersen, had long opposed it. His attorney stated that Andersen feared for his safety if Erik and Lyle were freed. With Andersen’s recent passing, some relatives argue that keeping the brothers in prison serves no purpose. The final decision on their fate now rests with the courts and the governor.
