MENENDEZ BROTHERS: Nathan Hochman is elected as Los Angeles District Attorney, promising to prioritize the case
Nathan Hochman, the newly elected District Attorney of Los Angeles County, is preparing to address the case of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez as soon as he assumes office, with priority, according to TMZ.
Hochman, who recently defeated the incumbent prosecutor George Gascón in the elections, told the outlet that if the Menendez brothers’ request for a sentence reassessment arrives on his first day in office, on the upcoming 2nd, he will immediately begin a detailed review of the case and engage with all parties involved.
Although Gascón had suggested reassessing the sentences, Hochman emphasized the importance of carefully examining the case and the legislation before making any decisions. Time is short, as the reassessment hearing is scheduled for December 11, leaving him just over a week to take action.
The final decision will rest with the judge, who will decide whether Erik and Lyle will be entitled to freedom. This could happen through parole or a modification of the sentence, allowing their immediate release based on time already served — a measure supported by the Menendez brothers’ attorney, Mark Geragos.
Hochman has shown significant interest in the case and criticized Gascón for, according to him, delaying the resolution of the process to try to influence his electoral outcomes. California Governor Gavin Newsom also has the power to intervene at any time, granting clemency or reducing the sentences of the Menendez brothers, which could remove the responsibility from Hochman before he officially takes office. However, Hochman emphasized that if the case reaches him at the beginning of his term, it will be handled with full attention and dedication.
Since the release of the series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” by Ryan Murphy on Netflix in September, the case of the Menendez brothers has been widely discussed again. The production raised questions about the brothers’ conviction for the murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. Additionally, a recent Netflix documentary, released in October, further increased interest in the case, generating new calls for Lyle and Erik’s release after more than 30 years in prison.
The case is marked by allegations of sexual abuse by their father, José Menendez, which were limited in the brothers’ second trial. At the time, the prosecution argued that the brothers had killed their parents in pursuit of the family fortune. However, the brothers claim they were abused by their father for years. In the end, both were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
