Menendez brothers appeal for new trial, DA moves to block it
Los Angeles district attorney's office to oppose new trial for Erik and Lyle Menendez.
Nathan Hochman, the district attorney for Los Angeles County, declared that his office would formally request the court to deny Erik and Lyle Menendez's petition for a new trial. This is regarding the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. During a news conference, Hochman reviewed the analysis his office had done on the evidence.
As recently as 2023, Erik and Lyle Menendez filed the habeas corpus petition for a review of new evidence not presented at trial. Both brothers, convicted in 1996 and serving life sentences without parole, argue this newly surfaced evidence supports their claims of enduring sexual abuse by their father, which they point out as the motive behind the killings.
Why DA opposes new trial for Menendez brothers
The Menendez brothers' petition was filed in May 2023. It introduced allegations from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, who claims he was sexually abused by José Menendez. Furthermore, the petition includes a letter allegedly written by Erik Menendez detailing abuse by his father.
Despite this new information, DA Hochman has expressed skepticism regarding the authenticity and relevance of this evidence. He suggested that if the letter were genuine, then it would have been presented during the original trial. Hochman also contends that these new claims lack sufficient credibility to warrant a retrial.
Could the Menendez brothers benefit from a new trial?
DA Hochman is opposing the petition for a new trial. However, he has not dismissed the possibility of resentencing Erik and Lyle Menendez. His predecessor, George Gascón, has previously recommended a reduction of their sentences to 50 years to life. This would make the brothers eligible for parole, considering how young they were at the time of the crimes, as well as the rehabilitation during their period in prison.
A resentencing hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2025, where this recommendation will be reviewed. It is worth mentioning that the Menendez case has seen a resurgence in public attention, partly due to recent media portrayals (Netflix) and advocacy from high-profile figures. In that sense, public support can play an important role in a new trial.