Newsom Delays Clemency Decision for Menendez Brothers Until New DA Reviews Case

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will not make a decision on clemency for Eric and Lyle Menendez until the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, reviews their case. This decision comes after Hochman, who ran on a tough-on-crime platform, defeated current District Attorney George Gascón in the recent election.

The Menendez brothers, who have served 34 years in prison for the shotgun killings of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion, are set to have a resentencing hearing on December 11. Current District Attorney George Gascón had announced plans to seek a resentencing hearing based on new evidence and the brothers’ behavior in prison. However, with Hochman taking office next month, Newsom has decided to defer to the new DA’s review and recommendations.

Hochman has committed to a thorough review of the case, including examining thousands of pages of confidential prison files, trial transcripts, and conducting interviews with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review, stating that decisions based solely on public documentaries would be a disservice to all parties involved.

Mark Geragos, the attorney representing the Menendez brothers, expressed optimism that even Hochman, with his tough-on-crime stance, would support their release if he conducts a dispassionate review of the case. Geragos believes the latest developments and the brothers’ behavior in prison should be sufficient to sway Hochman’s opinion.