MENENDEZ BROTHERS: Electoral defeat of prosecutor George Gascón may affect the case of brothers Lyle and Erik

The recent electoral defeat of George Gascón, former Los Angeles District Attorney, has raised questions about the future of cases under his administration, particularly that of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez. Nathan Hochman’s election to the position may influence the Menendez case, according to Latin Times.

During Gascón’s tenure, the Menendez case gained public attention again after the success of the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”. Gascón had requested a review of the brothers’ sentence, who have been serving life in prison without the possibility of parole since 1996, based on new testimonies about childhood abuse.

However, with Hochman’s election as the new district attorney, who holds a critical view of the case, efforts to free the brothers may face new obstacles, according to Latin Times.

During his campaign, Hochman criticized the “questionable timing” of Gascón’s interest in the Menendez case close to the election. While acknowledging the significance of the abuse allegations, Hochman emphasized that the brutal aspects of the crime committed in 1989 cannot be overlooked.

Hochman’s swearing-in will occur just before an important hearing on December 11, when the Menendez brothers’ sentence could be reevaluated. In this new context, the brothers’ fate will depend on a detailed and careful analysis by the newly elected district attorney.

Gascón’s defeat represents a significant shift in Los Angeles’ justice administration. While he advocated for progressive reforms and faced attempts at recall, Hochman promises a more conservative and balanced approach to high-profile cases.

Though it is unlikely that Hochman will quickly resolve the Menendez case, his cautious stance may delay the review process or even alter the approach taken by Gascón. However, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

“This is my approach, whether it’s the Menendez case or any other case: you need to do the hard work”, Hochman explained to KTLA on Wednesday. “In this case, it’s necessary to review thousands of pages of confidential prison documents, trial transcripts that lasted months, talk to prosecutors, law enforcement officials, defense attorneys, and even the victims’ families”.

“Only then will it be possible to determine whether the new sentence is the right solution or if the request made in the review is appropriate”, Hochman continued. “I’m not in that position yet, but I can say that, if I have to make that decision, I will make every effort necessary to make the right choice”.