LA DA Opposes Resentencing for Menendez Brothers Case \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday that he does not support resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez, arguing that the brothers continue to lie about the 1989 murders of their parents. Hochman compared their case to that of Sirhan Sirhan, noting that both have strong rehabilitation records but have not fully accepted responsibility. The Menendez family and supporters dispute his decision, emphasizing the brothers’ remorse and rehabilitation. A resentencing hearing is scheduled for later in March.
Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Quick Looks
- DA Nathan Hochman Opposes Resentencing: Says the Menendez brothers continue to lie about their crimes.
- Comparison to Sirhan Sirhan: Hochman cites similarities in their cases, emphasizing lack of full accountability.
- Family and Advocates Disagree: Supporters say Lyle and Erik have shown remorse and rehabilitation.
- Prior DA Recommended Parole Eligibility: Former DA George Gascón supported a lesser sentence in 2023.
- Governor Gavin Newsom Involved: Ordered a parole board review to assess their public safety risk.
- March Resentencing Hearing Scheduled: A court-ordered review will determine next steps in their case.
Deep Look
Menendez Brothers Denied Resentencing as DA Cites Continued Deception
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has made it clear: he does not support resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez. At a press conference Monday, Hochman stated that the brothers have failed to take full responsibility for their crimes, particularly regarding the false claims they made during their original trial.
“They have lied to everyone for the last 30 years,” Hochman told reporters, referencing their shifting accounts of the murders.
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder for the 1989 execution-style killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole, but recent claims of sexual abuse by their father have sparked a push for a reduced sentence.
In October 2023, then-DA George Gascón recommended resentencing the Menendez brothers to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole immediately. Hochman, who took office in December 2023, reversed that stance, calling Gascón’s decision a “desperate political move.”
Hochman Compares Menendez Brothers’ Case to Sirhan Sirhan’s
Hochman drew comparisons between the Menendez case and that of Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
Sirhan, who has been in prison for over five decades, was recommended for parole in 2021, citing his low risk as an inmate. However, Governor Gavin Newsom blocked his release, arguing that Sirhan still posed a public threat due to his lack of full remorse.
Hochman used this case as an example of why the Menendez brothers do not meet the standards for resentencing, despite their good prison records and rehabilitation efforts.
“The Menendez brothers, like Sirhan, have fallen short of true accountability,” Hochman stated.
However, he left the door open for possible reconsideration in the future:
“If they finally come clean with the court, the public, and their own family members, then resentencing could be an option down the line,” he said.
Family and Advocates Slam DA’s Decision
The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a group advocating for the brothers’ release, strongly criticized Hochman’s stance, arguing that Lyle and Erik are not the same people they were three decades ago.
“Let’s be clear: Erik and Lyle are not the same young boys they were more than 30 years ago,” the coalition said in a statement Monday.
“They have apologized for their horrific actions, they have apologized to us, and they have demonstrated atonement through their actions.”
The coalition also took issue with Hochman’s “checklist” approach to remorse, saying that expecting the brothers to publicly rehash every action taken during a state of trauma is unreasonable.
Tamara Goodall, a cousin of the brothers, went as far as to call for Hochman’s removal from the case, accusing him of bias. Hochman rejected that claim, saying, “I will follow the facts and the law wherever they take us.”
Why the Menendez Brothers Are Pushing for Resentencing
In recent years, new evidence has emerged supporting the brothers’ claims that they were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of their father. Supporters argue that this context was not fully considered during their original trials.
Additionally, the brothers have made significant rehabilitative efforts, including:
- Earning college degrees while in prison.
- Scoring low on prison risk assessments, indicating a low likelihood of reoffending.
- Becoming mentors and educators for fellow inmates.
Their legal team has also submitted a clemency plea to Governor Gavin Newsom, which remains under review.
What Happens Next? The Road Ahead for the Menendez Brothers
A court-initiated resentencing hearing is scheduled for later in March, where the case will be formally reviewed.
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the state parole board to investigate whether the Menendez brothers would pose a risk to the public if released.
Newsom has not commented directly on Hochman’s statement but announced Monday that he plans to propose a new parole board process—one that mirrors the Menendez review and could clear a path for more prison sentences to be shortened.
As the legal battle continues, the Menendez brothers remain hopeful that new evidence and their rehabilitation efforts will sway the court in their favor.
For now, however, Los Angeles’ top prosecutor remains firm—the Menendez brothers must fully acknowledge their past lies before they can hope for resentencing.
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