The fate of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, hangs in the balance as they await a judge’s ruling on Friday. The new district attorney’s opposition to their release poses a major hurdle for the brothers, who have spent 30 years behind bars.
Erik and Lyle, who were sentenced to life in prison without parole at ages 18 and 21, had previously received support from Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who asked a judge to change their sentence to 50 years to life. However, after losing the election, Gascón’s successor, Nathan Hochman, withdrew his request for resentencing.
Hochman’s opposition is due to concerns that the brothers have not fully acknowledged and accepted responsibility for their crime. The family’s relationship with Hochman has soured, with most of the brothers’ extended family supporting their resentencing.
The district attorney’s office denies any political influence on their decision-making, stating that Erik and Lyle Menendez “fabricated their self-defense claim” in the murders of their parents and have not achieved full rehabilitation. The brothers still have two other pathways to freedom: a clemency plea to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and a petition for habeas corpus.
The court will decide on Friday whether to allow prosecutors to withdraw their resentencing motion, and if granted, the judge will also determine whether to proceed with independent resentencing hearings scheduled for April 17-18. The outcome of this case has significant implications for the brothers’ future and the justice system as a whole.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/menendez-brothers-prison-released-case-b2731454.html