Since the release of Ryan Murphy’s ‘Monsters’ and the newest Menendez Brothers documentary, the public has anxiously waited to hear if they will be released from prison. George Gascón, the former LA District Attorney, announced the prosecution would recommend the brothers be resentenced. However, he lost his reelection bid, and the incoming district attorney, Nathan Hochman, has yet to release his opinion. The Menendez brothers resentencing hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2024. The public and their family members had hoped they would be released before Thanksgiving, but this year’s election made that nearly impossible.
The Menendez Brothers Murders
Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the notorious murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. They received a large inheritance afterward, which they splurged on expensive items and trips. Their freedom came to an abrupt end in 1990 when Erik admitted to the murders during a therapy session and was arrested several months later along with his brother, Lyle. They claimed self-defense and escape from the long-time abuse of their parents.
Their case gained tons of media attention with their first trial, but the jury could not reach a unanimous decision. During their second trial, the judge limited the amount of abuse testimony on the defense side and did not allow cameras in the courtroom. The Menendez brothers currently reside in the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California, serving out their life sentences.
The New DA Review
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman told the Daily Beast he has not watched the newly released films on the Menendez brothers and does not intend to. While they have sparked media attention to their case, he believes them to be dramatized. He said their case will be his top priority, and “any time a particular case gets this level of attention, it’s even that more important to get it right.” Until now, the brothers’ wives, families, and fans believed they would be home in time for the holidays. However, Hochman might take a different route than Gascón intended.
Hochman is prepared to ask for a postponement of their sentencing hearing if he cannot reach a decision nine days after he takes office. The LA Daily News reported Hochman said, “I owe it to the Menendez brothers, the victim’s family members, and to the public to ensure that whatever decision I arrive at is done after a thorough review.” Before Hochman issues his recommendation, he wants to review confidential files and trial transcripts from their case. He also wants to speak with several affiliates, such as prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and defense attorneys.
Thoughts on the Verdict
The Menendez Brothers case could go in several directions. They could have a new trial based on new evidence, be resentenced, or remain behind bars for the rest of their lives. At least two dozen of their family members support their release. Their uncle, Milton Anderson, Kitty Menendez’s brother, is the only family member who opposes. The brothers’ attorney plans to bring six witnesses to their resentencing hearing on December 11 to testify about their rehabilitation and character.
Lyle and Erik have already served nearly three decades for their crimes. While what they did was horrific, they were also victims. They spent their entire adolescence and early adulthood being abused at the hands of those meant to protect them the most. No one will ever know what truly happened the night of their parents’ murders besides them. From their family and fans’ perspective, it seems unfair to force them to serve their life sentences when other monstrous murderers walk free. The new District Attorney Hochman will release his decision to move forward with their release soon after he takes office on December 2.
