Erik and Lyle Menendez’s bid to reduce their life-without-parole sentences remains in limbo after the recent ouster of Los Angeles County’s district attorney, who had recommended a new sentence that could pave the way for their release. The uncertainty continues following a judge’s decision to delay a resentencing hearing originally set for December 11. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic rescheduled the hearing to January 30-31, 2024, allowing the new district attorney, Nathan Hochman, time to review the case.
In a statement, Hochman said the delay would allow sufficient time to review the case and consult with all parties involved. He expressed his intent to make a fair and just decision and defend it in court. The Menendez brothers were scheduled to make their first court appearance in years, but technical issues disrupted the remote feed from their prison. Two aunts testified on their behalf, passionately advocating for their release.
The brothers have served 35 years for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Last month, outgoing district attorney George Gascón supported reducing their sentences to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole. Gascón acknowledged the brothers’ model behavior in prison, despite the brutal nature of their crimes. Supporters argue the murders were acts of self-defense after enduring years of abuse at the hands of their father.
In addition to resentencing, the brothers are pursuing clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom and challenging their convictions with a petition citing new evidence of abuse.
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