Menendez Brothers File Motion to Disqualify District Attorney Ahead of Resentencing Hearing

Lyle and Erik Menendez have filed a motion to disqualify Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman from participating in their upcoming resentencing hearing.

The brothers, now 57 and 54, have spent 35 years behind bars for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. After a 1993 mistrial, they were convicted in 1996 and sentenced to life without parole. For decades, they’ve fought for freedom, claiming self-defense after enduring years of sexual and physical abuse.

In 2024, then-District Attorney George Gascón moved to reduce their sentence to 50 years to life, making them parole-eligible. However, Gascón lost re-election to Hochman, who withdrew the resentencing recommendation.

In February, Gov. Gavin Newsom requested “Comprehensive Risk Assessments” for the brothers. Judge Michael Jesic had not reviewed them before the April 17th hearing, causing another delay. A new hearing is set for May 9th to determine if the reports are admissible.

On April 25th, the brothers’ lawyers moved to disqualify Hochman, citing conflicts of interest. “The DA admits they have a conflict of interest and claims they built an ethical wall. But the only people walled off are the victims in this case who unanimously want the brothers released and home,” attorney Mark Geragos told People.

The 160-page motion argues, “The record shows a conflict that renders it unlikely Erik and Lyle can receive a fair resentencing hearing, recusal is proper.” It concludes, “The public is entitled to a process that appears fair.”