On Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced his intention to ask the court to withdraw the previous district attorney's motion for resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez. Hochman characterized the brothers' claims of self-defense as a series of deceptions, asserting that their narrative is filled with what he termed a "litany of lies." At a news conference, Hochman expressed readiness to proceed with the hearing regarding their resentencing but emphasized the necessity of withdrawing the prior motion, citing legitimate concerns that align with the interests of justice.
The upcoming resentencing hearing is slated for March 20 and 21. Hochman explained that the request to withdraw the resentencing motion stems from a thorough review of existing records, including trial transcripts, prison records, and videotaped testimonies. He also consulted with members of the Menendez family, defense attorneys, and former prosecutors to inform his decision. Hochman highlighted the brothers’ ongoing failure to demonstrate full insight and take complete responsibility for their crimes.
During the news conference, Hochman underscored the premeditated nature of the murders, noting that the Menendez brothers had traveled to San Diego days before the killings to purchase weapons using a false identification. On the night of the murders, they allegedly engaged in planning an alibi by purchasing movie tickets. After fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, the brothers reportedly shot their parents in the kneecaps to mislead investigators into believing the incident was gang-related. Hochman pointed out that the brothers’ actions included collecting shotgun shells to eliminate fingerprints and disposing of their bloody clothing and the murder weapons.
According to Hochman, the Menendez brothers have told at least 20 lies regarding the events surrounding the murders, while only acknowledging four. He stressed that 16 lies remain unrecognized. Initially, the brothers proclaimed their innocence, suggesting that their parents' deaths could have been the result of Mafia hits. The truth unraveled when Erik confessed to his therapist, and this confession led to law enforcement involvement. Hochman elaborated that the brothers manipulated not only the media and law enforcement but also their friends and family into believing they were innocent until the truth came to light.
The brothers later claimed that they acted in self-defense, alleging that they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of their father and feared for their lives. However, Hochman dismissed this defense as a fabrication, stating that the brothers have never come clean about their lies surrounding the accusations of self-defense or their attempts to suborn perjury from friends. The DA's statement outlined various falsehoods propagated by the brothers, including claims of their father drugging and raping Lyle’s girlfriend, and their mother poisoning the family.
Hochman emphasized the importance of the court analyzing whether the Menendez brothers’ lack of complete responsibility for their actions outweighs other factors that could justify a resentencing. These factors include the brothers’ lengthy prison sentences, their ages at the time of the murders, their upbringing, and any abuse they may have experienced. Additionally, Hochman noted the extensive rehabilitation efforts made by the brothers during their incarceration, such as obtaining educational degrees and participating in community programs.
Lyle and Erik Menendez are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. In October, former LA County District Attorney George Gascón expressed his support for resentencing the brothers, recommending a modified sentence of 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole due to their ages at the time of the crimes. Gascón acknowledged the brothers’ rehabilitation efforts in prison and the trauma they experienced as factors in his recommendation.
Since Hochman took office on December 3, he has committed to a comprehensive review of the case, including discussions with all parties involved and analysis of thousands of pages of court documents. His recent announcement follows a letter from one of the brothers' cousins, Tamara Goodell, who criticized Hochman for his perceived hostility during family meetings advocating for the brothers’ release. Goodell's letter expressed feelings of intimidation and a lack of compassion from the DA's office.
This high-profile case dates back to 1989 when Lyle, then 21, and Erik, then 18, murdered their parents in their Beverly Hills home. Their first trial resulted in a mistrial, but they were convicted in 1996 during a second trial and sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The brothers are also pursuing two other avenues for freedom: a habeas corpus petition filed in 2023 and a request for clemency submitted to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Hochman has indicated that he will oppose the habeas corpus petition, claiming the new evidence presented is not credible. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom has ordered a comprehensive risk assessment investigation to determine whether the brothers pose an unreasonable risk to public safety if clemency is granted. This case remains in the spotlight, and updates will continue to unfold as it develops further.
