What new evidence did the Menendez brothers present in their petition for a new trial?

The new evidence includes a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin detailing alleged abuse by his father, and allegations from a former member of Menudo, Roy Rossello, who claimed he was raped by Jose Menendez.

Why did District Attorney Nathan Hochman argue against the credibility of the new evidence?

Hochman argued that the letter to Cano would have been used at trial if it existed, and Rossello's claims were not known to the brothers at the time of the crime, thus failing to meet legal standards for a retrial.

What are the Menendez brothers' other paths to potential freedom besides the habeas corpus petition?

Besides the habeas corpus petition, the brothers are pursuing resentencing and clemency. A resentencing hearing is scheduled for March 20-21, and they have submitted a request for clemency to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

How might the resentencing hearing impact the Menendez brothers' current life sentences?

If resentenced, the brothers could be eligible for parole immediately, as they were under 26 at the time of the crime. The proposed sentence would be 50 years to life.

3 sources·Politics

Los Angeles DA Rejects Menendez Brothers' Bid for New Trial Amid Controversy Over Abuse Claims

District Attorney Nathan Hochman declines to support Erik and Lyle Menendez's request for a new trial, citing lack of credible evidence regarding sexual abuse.

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Hochman’s Friday announcement upends the powerful momentum that had been building in their favor under the district attorney’s predecessor, George Gascón.
New Los Angeles DA urges judge to deny Menendez brothers’ request for a new trial
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Prosecutors have previously disputed the brothers’ abuse claims, calling them false and saying the killings were cold-blooded and financially motivated.
L.A. DA does not support overturning Menendez brothers' murder convictions
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The case has gained new traction after Netflix began streaming the true-crime drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.”
No decision yet from LA district attorney in Menendez brothers' resentencing case
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Feb 21st, 2025, 8:27 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman rejects the Menendez brothers' request for a new trial over new evidence of sexual abuse, while considering a resentencing hearing in March. The DA emphasized that the evidence did not meet legal standards for a retrial, raising doubts over the credibility of abuse claims. The brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, have had their case reignited by new allegations and support from family. A decision on their resentencing is expected soon, with a hearing scheduled for March 20-21, 2024.

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