Menendez Brothers' Parole Hopes Dashed as D.A. Withdraws Support!

Lyle Menendez and Eric Menendez’s case is moving forward differently.

Weeks following District Attorney Nathan Hochman of Los Angeles County expressing initial opposition towards the brothers’ petition for a retrial in the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez, he later revealed that his office had retracted former D.A. George Gascón’s earlier suggestion to lessen their sentences.

At a press conference on March 10th, he stated that we’re requesting the court to reconsider the previous district attorney’s request for a retrial, as there are valid grounds, and it is in the best interest of justice that this request be withdrawn. However, he also emphasized that we are ready to proceed with any resentencing proceedings initiated by the court, and we eagerly anticipate a retrial hearing on this matter.

In October, Gascón expressed his backing for reconsidering the brothers’ sentences. He suggested that since they were under 26 when their parents were murdered, they should now be considered for parole, given a new sentence of 50 years in prison with the chance for parole.

Hochman vigorously disputed the self-defense claims made by the Menendez brothers throughout their trials and afterwards, labeling them as “falsehoods.” Yet, his team is intending to propose a “route” for their release when they file their petition for resentencing.

He stated that the brothers must unequivocally, genuinely, and completely admit fault for all their criminal activities, admit that their self-defense claim was false, and acknowledge that their parents were not planning to harm them on August 20th.

If they admit to all these falsehoods, it could influence the court to consider their newly gained understanding when deciding if they’re eligible for rehabilitation and potential sentence revision in the future.

Additionally, Hochman provided details on the “essential features of resentencing,” such as determining if the defendants present an unwarranted threat to public safety.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve found that one method to truly grasp if they’ve taken accountability is by observing if they’ve acknowledged and shown deep understanding of the wrongdoings they’ve committed, admitting full guilt, and accepting responsibility for their criminal actions.

Hochman stressed that his office was against granting the habeas petition, a legal action taken by the Menendez brothers’ lawyers using recently found evidence such as a letter Erik wrote to his cousin detailing alleged abuse by their father. However, this petition did not satisfy the “required legal standard for granting a new trial.

In February, Hochman made known his opposition and mentioned he was undecided about backing a request for re-sentencing. Simultaneously, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed agreement with Hochman’s stance on pursuing re-sentencing initiatives.

In a statement issued in November, Newson’s office stated that the Governor acknowledges and values the District Attorney’s role in upholding justice, and understands that the voters have given District Attorney-elect Hochman the task of fulfilling this duty. The Governor plans to wait for Hochman’s examination and evaluation of the Menendez case before making any decisions regarding clemency.

To determine if someone truly comprehends a situation, look for signs that they’ve acknowledged and demonstrated a thorough understanding of the crimes they’ve perpetrated, as well as taken full responsibility for their criminal behavior.

Hochman made clear that his team was against the habeas petition, a legal request submitted by the Menendez brothers’ lawyers due to recently found evidence such as a letter Erik penned to his cousin, claiming abuse by their father. However, this evidence didn’t meet the “required legal standard to justify a fresh trial.

When Hochman declared his stance against something in February, he mentioned that he was still undecided about whether to back a request for a new sentencing. Simultaneously, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his agreement with Hochman’s approach when it comes to pursuing the new sentencing initiatives.

In a statement issued last November, Newson’s office expressed that the Governor acknowledges the important role of the District Attorney-elect Hochman in upholding justice, and understands that voters have given him this task. The Governor intends to wait for the D.A.-elect’s examination and evaluation of the Menendez case before making any decisions regarding clemency.

2025-03-10 21:47

Menendez Brothers’ Parole Hopes Dashed as D.A. Withdraws Support!

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