Juror Reflects on Menendez Brothers’ Trials and Possible Resentencing

Hazel Thornton, a juror from the first Menendez brothers’ trial, recently shared insights into the emotionally charged courtroom proceedings. In an interview with Newsweek, Thornton revealed her initial shock at being selected for the infamous trial, which she had perceived as a resolved case. «I had heard a rumor it was the Menendez case,» she said, referencing how the brothers, Lyle and Erik, were accused of killing their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.

The Menendez brothers admitted to the killings but claimed they acted in self-defense due to long-term abuse by their father. Thornton, serving on Erik’s jury, detailed her experience, noting the complexity of emotions and evidence presented across 85 days of testimony. «It didn’t fully hit me until I saw Erik sitting there,» she recalled. Among the 101 witnesses, the brothers’ testimonies about alleged sexual abuse were pivotal. «I came down on the side of manslaughter, not murder,» Thornton explained, emphasizing her belief in their defense case.

The first trial ended in a mistrial, with juries unable to reach a unanimous verdict on murder or manslaughter. Two separate juries were used, reflecting differing perceptions of guilt between the siblings. «The juries were devastated. We wanted to reach a verdict,» Thornton said, highlighting the internal conflicts and societal views of abuse at the time.

The case moved to a second trial in 1995, where a single jury ultimately found the brothers guilty of first-degree murder. The second trial saw the exclusion of key abuse evidence, which impacted the defense strategy. Journalist Alan Abrahamson noted that Lyle did not testify due to disputes over prior statements he made to Norma Novelli, who was secretly recording their conversations.

Recently, developments have emerged regarding a letter and testimony from a former pop star alleging similar abuse by José Menendez, potentially influencing the brothers’ current sentences. Los Angeles District Attorney prosecutors have filed for the possibility of resentencing, acknowledging changes in societal perspectives and legal standards.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deferred decisions on potential clemency until after District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman reviews the case thoroughly. «The Governor respects the District Attorney’s role in ensuring justice,» stated Newsom’s office. Hochman, set to assume office on December 3, aims to assess confidential files and trial transcripts.

The defense continues to pursue various legal avenues for a reduced sentence, including a habeas corpus petition alleging unexamined evidence of parental abuse. The possibility of parole or sentence modification remains under judicial consideration, coinciding with heightened discourse on child abuse and legal accountability.