Menendez-Brothers hopeful for release despite setback from prosecutor

Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)

The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, announced last month that he is withdrawing a request for the reconviction of Lyle and Erik Menendez and will not support their release. The Menendez brothers are serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. In a recent interview with TMZ, Lyle said that despite the prosecutor's position, they continue to be "cautiously hopeful" for a possible release. Hochman accused the brothers of lying about the case for over 30 years and said he would only consider a reconviction if they fully admit their actions and falsehoods. This marks a departure from former District Attorney George Gascón, who had filed a request for the reconviction of the brothers before losing to Hochman in the 2024 election. The brothers have long claimed they acted out of fear, alleging they had been sexually abused by their father for years. Their case continues to draw public interest and debate, especially as new evidence and evolving legal perspectives on trauma related to abuse have emerged. Some family members, including cousin Tamara Goodell, criticized Hochman for what they see as personal bias. 'Hochman doesn't seem to want to listen to us or engage with us... At every opportunity, we feel that Prosecutor Hochman dismisses us, ignores us, and frankly, treats us as if we are unimportant. And why? Why does he seem to take this case so personally? A prosecutor should be fair and impartial and focus on the law, but Hochman is not behaving like a neutral party.' Despite Hochman's stance, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced last month that a parole hearing is scheduled for the brothers in June. Newsom said he would review their case thereafter to consider the possibility of clemency.