The Menendez family expressed disappointment as Los Angeles County’s District Attorney opposed a new trial for Lyle and Erik Menendez, while expressing gratitude for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to launch a risk assessment report for the brothers.
Key Takeaways
- Family members of the Menendez brothers are advocating for their release and recently criticized the District Attorney’s opposition to a new trial.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated a clemency process by ordering a risk assessment report on the Menendez brothers.
- The Menendez brothers, convicted of their parents’ murder in 1989, have been incarcerated for over 35 years.
- They have three potential legal avenues for release: clemency, resentencing, or a new trial through a habeas petition.
- LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has not yet decided on recommending resentencing, as the DA’s office opposes the habeas petition.
District Attorney’s Stance
The family of Lyle and Erik Menendez is vocal in their displeasure over the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s opposition to a new trial. They argue that modern understandings of trauma and the potential for rehabilitation should weigh heavily in the case. The brothers, incarcerated for more than 35 years for the murder of their parents in 1989, seek reconsideration as new evidence has emerged. The DA’s office, however, questions the credibility and relevance of this evidence.
Believing that reform is possible, the family highlights the brothers’ progress in prison, including earning college diplomas and actively leading support groups. This attempts to humanize them and bolster their argument that they should be considered for release under new evaluations of risk and rehabilitation.
Governor Newsom’s Initiative
Despite the DA’s opposition to a new trial, there are still other possible avenues for Lyle and Erik Menendez. California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated a risk assessment report that could lead to clemency, depending on the results of the move. The assessment by the state parole board aims to determine if the brothers are fit for release.
Resentencing hearings are another possible avenue for release, scheduled soon to review the brothers’ circumstances. Until then, the legal struggle persists as DA Nathan Hochman weighs in on whether to support resentencing measures.
Menendez brothers’ family frustrated over DA’s decision to deny killer siblings new trial: ‘Very disparaging’ https://t.co/Lvt2AYskbW pic.twitter.com/bgsjz2vIQR
— New York Post (@nypost) February 28, 2025
Legal Hurdles Ahead
With hearings set for March, the Menendez brothers face three potential legal paths to freedom: clemency, resentencing, or a new trial through a habeas corpus petition. However, a significant roadblock remains as the DA’s office opposes the habeas petition. The District Attorney raises questions about the credibility of new evidence and its ability to substantiate claims tied to abuse allegations.
Despite this opposition, the family keeps pushing for more modern understandings of trauma and personal growth achieved in confinement to be brought under serious consideration before the courts. The evolving scenario surrounding the Menendez brothers highlights ongoing tensions between justice as served and justice as reconsidered.
Sources
- Family of Menendez brothers react after Newsom orders risk assessment of possible release
- Menendez brothers’ relatives criticize DA’s opposition to new trial, “grateful” for Newsom’s decision
- Menendez Bros. Family Disappointed DA Rejected New Trial
