Family members of the Menendez brothers are set to meet with Nathan Hochman, the new District Attorney of Los Angeles County, on January 3. They hope to discuss the possibility of reducing the brothers’ sentences.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty in 1996 of murdering their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home in 1989 when they were 21 and 18 years old. After a mistrial in 1993, they received life sentences without the possibility of parole.
During their initial trial, their defense argued that the brothers acted out of fear after enduring years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their father, which they claimed their mother overlooked.
Recently, former DA George Gascón supported the idea of resentencing the Menendez brothers, which could potentially allow them to be eligible for parole. However, he was voted out, and Hochman plans to review the case evidence before making a decision.
As they prepare for their meeting, the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, which includes family supporters, expressed hope for a fair dialogue. They stated that despite their past, the brothers have taken responsibility for their actions and contributed positively to society over the last 30 years.
The coalition expressed their desire for the meeting to bring them closer to reuniting as a family during the holiday season. More than 20 family members of the Menendez siblings are expected to attend the meeting, all supporting a resentencing process that recognizes the trauma and rehabilitation of the brothers.
Interest in the Menendez case has surged recently, partly due to a Netflix documentary and a new series that feature interviews and stories about the brothers. A resentencing hearing is anticipated later this month.
While Gascón had proposed a new 50-year sentence that would make the brothers eligible for parole, the decision now lies with Hochman, who will consider the best path forward for the Menendez brothers and their family.
