A month before a long-delayed resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman criticized the siblings for what he described as "a continuum of lies and deceit and fabricating stories." This comes as the brothers seek to challenge their life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents.
In a press conference held in downtown LA, Nathan Hochman expressed his office's opposition to the Menendez brothers' efforts to obtain new trials. "We conclude in our informal response that the court should deny the current habeas corpus petition," Hochman stated. "We do not believe they qualify to get a new trial," he added, listing previous court rejections of the Menendez appeals since their conviction for first-degree murder nearly 30 years ago.
Hochman also released a video outlining his office’s position on the case. Watch it below.
As the March 20 resentencing hearing approaches, D.A. Hochman dismissed recent evidence presented by the brothers and their lawyers. This evidence includes a 1988 letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano, detailing alleged sexual abuse by their father. "To say that this letter was not discovered until after the trial is wrong," Hochman argued. "We believe it is not credible evidence."
Hochman questioned the authenticity of the letter, citing issues of timing and its status as "an out of court document." He emphasized that sexual abuse "does not justify killing your parents," quoting a former lawyer for the brothers.
The Menendez family strongly condemned Hochman’s "abhorrent dismissal of abuse evidence," expressing profound disappointment. "District Attorney Nathan Hochman took us right back to 1996 today," the family stated in a letter. "He effectively tore up new evidence and discredited the trauma they experienced."
The case has resurfaced in headlines partly due to new evidence of sexual abuse revealed in Peacock's 2023 docuseries, Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, and Ryan Murphy's Netflix crime drama, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Kim Kardashian and several family members have also advocated for the brothers' release.
Governor Gavin Newsom has held a clemency petition for the brothers since late last year, pending Hochman’s full review. Hochman noted, "The Governor has absolutely unilateral full power, Constitutional power" to commute their sentences.
Amidst tension with D.A. Hochman, two Assistant DAs are suing the office, alleging "harassment, discrimination, and retaliation" following their recommendation for resentencing the Menendez brothers.
The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led advocacy group, criticized Hochman's actions, stating, "Abuse does not exist in a vacuum. It leaves lasting scars...To say it played no role in Erik and Lyle’s action is to ignore decades of psychological research."
They urged Hochman to issue a resentencing recommendation reflecting the brothers' rehabilitation and compliance with California Penal Code 1172.1 and AB 600. The family hopes Judge Jesic will review the evidence without prejudice.
For over three decades, the Menendez family has fought for the truth to be recognized. They express pride in Erik and Lyle's personal growth, stating, "We have fought and advocated tirelessly for their release, so that we can heal and finally move forward."
