Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to continue their resentencing hearings following a judge’s ruling despite objections from the Los Angeles County District Attorney. In 1994, the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in Beverly Hills. The brothers claim they acted in self-defence due to years of sexual abuse by their father, while prosecutors contend they were motivated by greed for a substantial inheritance.
The case has remained a topic of public interest, particularly with the release of Netflix productions like Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and The Menendez Brothers, which have reignited discussion around the events. Over the last few months, supporters from across the country have rallied for the brothers, hoping for a reconsideration of their sentences.
Former District Attorney George Gascón sought a reduction of their sentences to 50 years to life, which would allow eligibility for parole, given that they were under 26 at the time of the crime. However, Gascón’s successor, Nathan Hochman, has changed course by opposing this resentencing motion. During a recent hearing, Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian stated they could not support the brothers’ reconsideration, arguing they had not fully accepted responsibility for their actions or acknowledged inconsistencies in their trial testimonies.
Balian remarked, “They are the same people they were,” indicating a belief that the brothers have not shown personal growth or rehabilitation. He presented video testimonies from the original trial to illustrate instances of dishonesty, claiming that the brothers acted out of greed rather than in self-defence.
Menendez’s attorney, Mark Geragos, has labelled the prosecution’s case as politically driven and argued for the resentencing based on a California law enacted in 2023 that permits courts to recall sentences at any time. He condemned the inclusion of graphic images of the deceased parents as harmful to those related to the case, highlighting the growing tension between the family and Hochman’s office.
Most of the brothers’ extended family reportedly supports the resentencing efforts. However, Hochman’s approach has led to complaints, with accusations from former deputy district attorneys involved in the original resentencing effort claiming harassment and retaliation.
Despite the current legal challenges, Erik and Lyle Menendez are pursuing other avenues for freedom. They have submitted a clemency application to California Governor Gavin Newsom for a risk assessment regarding their potential release and filed for a habeas corpus petition in May 2023, seeking a new trial based on newly presented evidence. Hochman’s office continues to oppose these requests, adding further complexity to an already convoluted legal battle.