Menendez Brothers Seek Resentencing in High-Profile Murder Case

LOS ANGELES, California – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced on Monday that his office will move forward with a resentencing motion for convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez.

The Menendez brothers, who were sentenced to life in prison without parole for the shotgun killings of their parents in 1989, could soon be eligible for parole if their sentences are reduced. Their resentencing hearing, originally scheduled for March 20 and 21, was recently postponed following the outcome of Hochman’s election.

Erik Menendez, 54, and Lyle Menendez, 57, were convicted in 1996 for the murder of Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez in Beverly Hills. They have long argued that their actions were fueled by years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, claims that Hochman expressed skepticism about in previous statements.

At a press conference following the announcement, Hochman stated, “While I have concerns about some of the new evidence, I will not take a position on the resentencing motion at this time.”

The brothers’ defense has recently surfaced new evidence, including a letter allegedly written by Erik to a cousin months before the murders, and new allegations from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, who claims he was also abused by Jose Menendez.

Supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez have rallied, claiming that their release is necessary due to their rehabilitation and the trauma they experienced growing up. Joan Andersen VanderMolen, Kitty’s sister, and other family members have pushed for clemency, highlighting the impact of the alleged abuse on the brothers’ actions.

“These wounds have not healed,” said a spokesperson for the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition. “To discredit the trauma they experienced is to disregard the psychological implications of abuse.”

Meanwhile, relatives opposing the brothers’ release continue to speak out. Milton Andersen, Kitty’s brother, was particularly vocal against the resentencing and passed away earlier this month. His attorney, RJ Dreiling, remarked, “Milton felt that the claims of abuse were fabricated and supported the original sentencing.”

In response to the push for resentencing, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a risk assessment investigation by the state’s parole board to evaluate whether Erik and Lyle Menendez pose a risk to public safety if released. “This process is standard, and I want it to be transparent,” said Newsom.

The governor’s office noted that findings from the risk assessment will be shared with the judge overseeing the case as well as with defense attorneys. It’s a significant step in a long legal battle.

As the resentencing hearing approaches next month, both advocates and opponents of the Menendez brothers’ release await further developments. The case continues to draw national attention, with a renewed interest following the release of a Netflix documentary.

The upcoming court dates mark a critical juncture for the Menendez brothers and their family, who have faced decades of turmoil since the tragic events of 1989.