Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman rejected a petition filed by Erik and Lyle Menendez seeking a new trial for their murder convictions. The evidence cited by the brothers did not meet the standards necessary for a judge to order a new trial, according to Hochman. The petition included a letter from Erik detailing his father’s sexual abuse, but the authenticity of the document was called into question as it was an undated photocopy. Additionally, a claim made by a former Menudo band member alleging sexual assault by Jose Menendez was deemed inadmissible and lacking credibility by prosecutors.
The Menendez brothers have maintained that they killed their parents in self-defense after years of abuse. They have previously testified about the abuse at trial, but their claims were disputed by prosecutors who called them false and financially motivated. The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole in 1995. Former LA County DA George Gascón supported a request to resentence the brothers to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole immediately.
Hochman’s office is currently reviewing the request to resentence the brothers and expects to make a decision in the next two weeks. Gascón has also expressed support for clemency for the brothers, which would be granted by Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite the support for their release from some family members, there are others who oppose it, citing the brothers’ motive as greed for the killings. A two-day hearing on the matter is scheduled for March.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
