Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Hearing Delayed Amid Wildfire Impacts

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents, has been postponed to March 20 due to the impact of California wildfires. The brothers, serving life sentences without parole, are seeking a reduced sentence that could make them eligible for release after 35 years in prison.

The hearing, initially scheduled for December, was delayed as wildfires disrupted preparations. The Menendez brothers were convicted of killing their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. Their defense argued they acted in self-defense after years of alleged abuse, but prosecutors claimed the murders were motivated by greed for their parents’ $15 million fortune.

Anamaria Baralt, the brothers’ cousin, told USA TODAY the family has forgiven them and hopes for their release. “We have also completely forgiven them. We love them so much we miss them,” Baralt said. “There is not a family holiday that there is not just a hole in our hearts and a void in our family.”

In 2023, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón petitioned to resentence the brothers to 50 years to life, making them eligible for youth parole under California law. Gascón cited new evidence, including a letter from Erik Menendez and testimony from journalist Robert Rand, who has covered the case extensively.

Gascón said the brothers were subjected to “a large amount of dysfunction in the home and molestation,” and noted their efforts to improve themselves and help fellow inmates during their imprisonment. Erik Menendez has become a meditation teacher, while Lyle has led initiatives to improve prison conditions.

However, Gascón lost his reelection bid in November, and his successor, John Hochman, has expressed concerns about the political motivations behind the resentencing push. Hochman met with 25 family members this month to review the case, calling it a “productive and important conversation.”

Judge Michael Jesic will decide whether to resentence the brothers, potentially reducing their charges to manslaughter. If resentenced, the brothers could be released immediately, pending approval from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. If the bid fails, they may pursue freedom through a habeas petition based on new evidence.

Baralt remains hopeful. “At this point, our family feels so strongly that 35 years is enough. They have paid their price, right? We are ready for them to come home,” she said.