Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announces his opposition to the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Hochman asserts that the brothers have consistently fabricated claims of self-defense, undermining any justification for reducing their life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The Menendez brothers have long maintained that they acted out of fear for their lives, alleging years of sexual and emotional abuse by their father. This defense was presented during their trial but was ultimately rejected by the jury, leading to their convictions on charges of first-degree murder.
In a recent press conference, Hochman emphasizes that the brothers have not taken full responsibility for their actions, stating, “The self-defense defense was a fabrication. They need to admit to that.” He indicates that he might consider supporting resentencing if the brothers unequivocally acknowledge their guilt and the falsehood of their previous claims.
This stance marks a departure from the position of Hochman’s predecessor, George Gascón, who had recommended resentencing the brothers to 50 years to life, potentially making them eligible for parole. Hochman has formally requested the court to withdraw Gascón’s motion, arguing that it lacked a thorough examination of the brothers’ acceptance of responsibility.
The case has seen renewed interest due to emerging evidence supporting the brothers’ allegations of abuse. Notably, a letter written by Erik Menendez in 1988 to his cousin, Andy Cano, describes the sexual abuse he endured from his father. Additionally, former Menudo member Roy Rosselló has alleged that José Menendez sexually assaulted him when he was 14, adding weight to the brothers’ claims.
Despite these developments, Hochman remains steadfast in his position, asserting that the new evidence does not meet the standard required for a new trial or resentencing. He maintains that without a full admission of guilt and acknowledgment of their fabricated defense, the brothers should continue serving their original sentences.
The resentencing hearing is scheduled for later this month, where the court will consider the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The outcome could significantly impact the future of the Menendez brothers, who have spent over three decades in prison.
Sources:
- LA district attorney says he won’t support resentencing the Menendez brothers because they lied
- Menendez brothers offered new bargain in exchange for freedom after DA brands them liars and tears defense to shreds
- New DA Won’t Support Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing: Why He Thinks ‘They Shouldn’t Get Out of Jail’
- Menendez brothers’ relative who fought against freedom bid & wanted them put to DEATH dies just weeks before decision
- LA DA will not support resentencing Menendez brothers – unless they finally ‘come clean’ about what really happened
- Menendez brothers case: DA asks court to withdraw resentencing
- Menendez brothers: Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman asks to withdraw predecessor’s motion to free killers
- Menendez brothers’ claims of abuse supported by newly discovered evidence
- Should sex abuse evidence set the Menendez brothers free
- Los Angeles DA asks court to withdraw previous DA’s resentencing
- Menendez brothers case: LA County DA gives update
- Why the Menendez brothers’ allegations of sexual abuse are being taken seriously more than three decades after they killed their parents
- Inside the story of the notorious Menendez brothers case
- The rape claims that tie the Menendez case to Menudo
- Lyle and Erik Menendez
- The Menendez Brothers: Crime, Trauma, and Justice
