Menendez brothers resentencing battle heats up as Los Angeles judge weighs risk
incoming update…
The resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez was originally set to continue in April 2025 but was unexpectedly delayed due to unresolved legal disputes.
The brothers' defense team sought to disqualify the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office from the case, citing alleged bias and a conflict of interest. The DA's office, led by Nathan Hochman, called the move a 'desperate argument.'
"In the opposition, the District Attorney's Office has argued that in a 'drastic and desperate step,' the defense has decided to 'sidestep the central issue of resentencing' and present an argument 'devoid of merit' to recuse the entire District Attorney's Office," Hochman said. "The entire defense argument over recusal boils down to the defense not being happy with the current District Attorney's position on resentencing. While this desperate argument may work in a press interview, it fails in a court of law based on an adversarial system of justice."
Erik and Lyle Menendez's state parole board risk assessment also remains central to the delayed hearing. California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the test to determine an inmate's potential risk to public safety if released.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic said that the discussions over the admissibility of the state parole board's comprehensive risk assessments will be considered on Friday.
Both issues caused the hearing to come to a screeching halt and begin proceedings for Friday, May 9.
On the eve of a critical hearing that could reshape the future of killer brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez's legal journey, the family behind the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition called for the recusal of the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.
The family coalition has been vocal about what they describe as a pattern of overreach by the DA Nathan Hochman's office.
'The issue is not about what the [risk assessment] contains or how District Attorney Hochman chooses to characterize Erik and Lyle
,' the family wrote in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. 'We know who they are, how much they've grown, how remorseful they are… The issue is that the DA once again tried to box us in and put the cart before the horse.'
Their frustrations came to a head last month, when Hochman held a press conference speaking publicly about a draft risk assessment (CRA) tied to the Menendez brothers.
They likened the situation to 'walking into a job interview and finding out your therapy notes had already been shared with the employer.'
The Menendez family coalition argued that the DA's office has exhibited a pattern of behavior to 'tilt the scales of justice.'
One family member, however, objected to the resentencing and filed an amicus brief in opposition through his attorney, Kathleen Cady.
More than three decades after Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of murdering their parents in a case that captivated the nation, the brothers are once again at the center.
In 1989, the Menendez brothers shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. The prosecution painted the brothers as spoiled heirs. The defense, led by attorney Leslie Abramson, argued they acted out of desperation after enduring years of abuse at the hands of their father.
Despite a highly publicized trial, which included two hung juries, they were ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The pair surged back into the spotlight when, in October 2024, Netflix released a true-crime documentary titled The Menendez Brothers, and in September 2024, the series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story reignited interest in the case.
The series sparked renewed debates of alleged child abuse and the fairness of their initial trial. The timing came as former DA George Gascón opened the door for clemency.
However, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, now led by Nathan Hochman, has opposed this effort, claiming the brothers still haven't accepted full responsibility for their actions.
Live Coverage begins here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
21 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Major Indexes Finish Mixed as the Israel-Iran Cease-Fire Holds - Minute Briefing
Full Transcript This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated. Julia Carpenter: Here's your closing bell brief for Wednesday, June 25th. I'm Julia Carpenter for the Wall Street Journal. The three major indexes ended the day mixed as the Iran-Israel ceasefire held steady. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 107 points to close at 42,982. The S&P 500 stayed roughly flat, and the Nasdaq gained 61 points. US oil prices climbed slightly higher today. Even as the Israel Iran ceasefire appears fragile, analysts said as long as both countries refrain from attacking energy export infrastructure or disrupting shipping, oil prices could likely remain muted. Meanwhile, Jerome Powell returned for his second day of congressional testimony. President Trump said he's reviewing new candidates to replace the Federal Reserve Chairman once Powell's term ends in 2026. In individual companies trading today, after new car registrations for Tesla fell across the European Union signaling a steep sales decline, shares of the electric car company dropped 3.8%. Shares of FedEx dropped 3.3% after the shipping company said it expected to lose $170 million this quarter as a result of President Trump's tariffs. The administration's change in rules led to a much lower demand for packages shipped from China to the US. Rival UPS shares also fell 1.2%. And after posting better than expected quarterly results, shares of BlackBerry, the cybersecurity company, shot up 12.5%. We'll have a lot more coverage of the day's news on the WSJ's What's News Podcast? You can add it to your playlist on your smart speaker or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Fox News
22 minutes ago
- Fox News
Judge sets strict conditions for Abrego Garcia's release as Trump officials pursue case against him
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian migrant who was erroneously deported to El Salvador before being returned to the U.S. earlier this month to face prosecution, was ordered to be placed into the custody of his brother should he be released from custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Abrego Garcia appeared in federal court on Wednesday after the Trump administration challenged a federal judge's orders to release him pending criminal trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes said Sunday that the government failed to prove its case during an arraignment hearing earlier this month that Abrego Garcia was a "serious risk" of fleeing or obstructing justice if he were to be released pending trial for the criminal charges. "Abrego, like every person arrested on federal criminal charges, is entitled to a full and fair determination of whether he must remain in federal custody pending trial," Judge Holmes said in her order. "The Court will give Abrego the due process that he is guaranteed." Lawyers for the Trump administration almost immediately appealed that order. Regardless of the court's order, Judge Holmes acknowledged her decision was likely little more than an "academic exercise," as it is almost certain that Abrego Garcia will not be released. She noted that the Trump administration previously vowed that he would be taken into ICE custody "subject to anticipated removal proceedings that are outside the jurisdiction of this Court." During Wednesday's hearing, Holmes ordered that Abrego Garcia be placed in home detention, in the custody of his brother, if he is released by ICE. If that were to happen, Abrego Garcia will be tracked using location monitoring, such as an ankle monitor. Under the conditions of release, Abrego Garcia will not be required to pay cash bail. He also cannot violate state or federal law, must cooperate in giving DNA samples, and cannot change any of his contact information, including his telephone number. Abrego Garcia is permitted to seek employment, must submit a passport to pretrial services, and will be limited to travel in the Middle District of Tennessee and the District of Maryland, and permission to travel must be granted ahead of time. Additionally, he is required to enroll in anger management counseling, cannot possess firearms or have them in his residence, is not allowed to use drugs without a prescription, cannot have contraband, must remain in contact with law enforcement and cannot communicate with any members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua or any other gangs. Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S. by Trump officials earlier this month. Upon return, he was immediately taken into custody for federal crimes stemming from a 2022 traffic stop. Court documents show the Justice Department filed the charges against Abrego Garcia on May 21, prompting a flurry of questions as to when the investigation and impaneling of a grand jury would have taken place. Abrego Garcia's deportation to El Salvador in March was the result of what officials acknowledged was an administrative error. Still, it kicked off a months-long court fight to secure his release and return to U.S. soil, despite a federal court order, and a Supreme Court ruling ordering the administration "facilitate" his return to the U.S., which the government eventually did after months of delay and threats from a federal judge in Maryland to pursue potential contempt proceedings. In many ways, his case has become a national flashpoint for President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration crackdown in his second White House term.
CBS News
22 minutes ago
- CBS News
Michigan groups sue Plymouth-Canton schools over alleged remarks toward Arab American student
The ACLU of Michigan and the Arab American Civil Rights League filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools District and a teacher, months after an Arab American student was allegedly subjected to humiliation and offensive remarks for staying seated during the Pledge of Allegiance. The federal lawsuit claims that on Jan. 6, the 14-year-old middle school student, who is of Palestinian descent, declined to stand and recite the pledge. In response, the teacher allegedly "disrupted the class and admonished (the student) in the presence of her classmates," according to the lawsuit. The teacher then told the student she was "specifically disrespectful to U.S. military forces and the flag, and that she should stand." The student again declined to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance on Jan. 10. The lawsuit alleges that the student approached the teacher after class that day to explain, to which the teacher said, "Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to your country." The lawsuit accused the district of failing to protect the student's First Amendment rights. It claims that the student now suffers "extensive emotional and social injuries" as well as loss of sleep, nightmares and stress. "The consequence has been isolation during a period when contact with peers is highly valued and necessary for D.K.'s wellbeing. The impact of these incidents has negatively affected D.K.'s academic performance - a student with a nearly perfect record," read the lawsuit. CBS News Detroit contacted Plymouth-Canton schools on Wednesday for comment, to which the district said it cannot comment on pending litigation. The Arab American Civil Rights League held a press conference in February, demanding action from the school district. The group claimed the district did not contact the student or offer resources to help her cope and that the family had not received an apology. The teen's family filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, calling for accountability. The family also demanded an investigation, disciplinary action against the teacher, a public apology and mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training. At the time, the district said it was conducting an investigation, and action was taken, including placing the teacher on leave. In a statement, school officials said they "facilitated restorative practices between the teacher and students to address any harm, foster understanding and use this as a learning moment." Note: The video above previously aired on Feb. 28, 2025.
