Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Hearing Faces Last-Minute Delays

VAN NUYS, Calif. (CNS) – Hours before a crucial hearing, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office moved to delay the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents. Scheduled for Thursday, this critical hearing could determine whether the brothers, imprisoned for over three decades, will have a pathway to freedom.

The district attorney’s office requested that proceedings be postponed until the court receives a recently completed risk assessment by the California Board of Parole Hearings. This assessment, commissioned by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to evaluate the Menendez brothers’ potential risk to society if released.

In a filing late Wednesday, prosecutors stated, “On April 15, 2025, the People were made aware that the Parole Board has completed its Comprehensive Risk Assessment Reports for Lyle and Erik Menendez. There is no legitimate reason why the Court should not now possess the most current risk assessments before making any resentencing decisions in this case.”

If the court goes ahead with the hearing, a judge will evaluate whether the brothers deserve a sentence reduction, potentially opening the door for parole eligibility. Lyle and Erik Menendez have been serving life without parole since their convictions for the shotgun killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

Last Friday, Lyle and Erik Menendez achieved a significant legal victory when a judge denied the motion of District Attorney Nathan Hochman to withdraw the former DA’s support for their resentencing. During Hochman’s argument, he described the defendants’ claims of self-defense as a series of “lies,” and dismissed their assertions of past sexual abuse by their father.

Menendez attorney Mark Geragos countered Hochman’s claims, labeling him a “’90s Neanderthal” for dismissing the brothers’ allegations. After hearing both sides, the judge affirmed that the resentencing hearing would proceed as planned.

Geragos expressed hope for a fair outcome, stating, “They’ve waited a long time to get some justice.” Hochman, however, contended that the brothers had not yet shown true accountability for their actions, citing their alleged lack of insight into the consequences of their crimes.

The recent push for resentencing gained traction after Hochman’s predecessor, George Gascón, advocated for the removal of the brothers’ life sentences in favor of a 50-year term, which would enable immediate parole eligibility given their age at the time of the crimes.

Support for the Menendez brothers’ release has grown among their family members, with over 20 relatives advocating for them. Cousin Diane VanderMolen stated, “They are truly, deeply sorry for what they did. And they are profoundly remorseful.”

Aside from resentencing, the brothers have two additional avenues toward freedom. Governor Newsom has ordered another evaluation concerning their potential risk to public safety, and the parole board will conduct separate hearings in June.

In a petition filed in 2023, the defense team presented evidence—including correspondence allegedly written by Erik detailing instances of abuse—that they believe substantiates the claims of prolonged victimization they have made throughout their trial.

With the case now back in the spotlight, prompted by recent documentaries and heightened media attention, participants in the upcoming hearing anticipate both emotional testimony and significant public interest.