The Menendez brothers have scored a major victory in their push for freedom.
A Los Angeles judge ruled Friday that Erik and Lyle Menendez’s resentencing hearings can move forward, rejecting an effort by District Attorney Nathan Hochman to withdraw the petition. The brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, are now one step closer to potential release after 30 years behind bars.
“Everything you argued today is absolutely fair game for the resentencing hearing next Thursday,” said Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos slammed Hochman’s move as a “dog and pony show” and criticized the DA’s office for showing graphic photos in court: “The DA has assiduously shown that he has no consideration for the victims.”
Jesic agreed, stating Hochman’s office lacked legal grounds to cancel the resentencing bid initially filed by former DA George Gascón.
At the courthouse, family members stood in support.
“Eric and Lyle have taken full responsibility for what they did,” said cousin Anamaria Baralt. “They continuously shown their insight, through their ashes, not just their words.” She dismissed prosecutors’ claims of zero remorse as “patently false.”
The next hearings are set for April 17th and 18th. Meanwhile, the state parole board is conducting its own review, with a decision expected in June. The brothers also remain eligible for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom.
A 2024 Netflix documentary and newly revealed letters alleging sexual abuse helped reignite public interest in the Menendez case.
