District Attorney Opposes Menendez Brothers' Resentencing, Citing Lack of Accountability
Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman withdraws support for Menendez brothers’ resentencing, accusing them of maintaining lies about their parents' murders.
The DA said his decision comes after reviewing trial transcripts, prison records and videotaped trial testimony, as well as meeting with Menendez family members, defense attorneys and past prosecutors.
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In a shift from his predecessor's stance, Hochman cited "legitimate reasons" for the decision, marking a reversal of previous support for the measure.
Menendez brothers get new requirements for them to get out of jail
Newsweek·2M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Hochman called it an “instructive case” because the Menendez brothers also “fell short” of taking full responsibility for their crimes.
LA district attorney says he won’t support resentencing the Menendez brothers because they lied
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Hochman has asked the court to withdraw a resentencing motion filed by his predecessor last year who advocated for the brothers to receive a sentence that would make them eligible for parole.
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In a reversal of his predecessor’s support for reducing the sentences, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said there were "legitimate reasons" to justify the withdrawal.
L.A. DA withdraws recommendation to reduce Menendez brothers' sentences
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Hochman noted that jurors had rejected the self-defense claim at trial.
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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.'
Menendez brothers shouldn’t be resentenced, LA district attorney says
NewsNation·2M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Hochman called his predecessor's recommendation a "desperate political move."
LA DA: Won't Support Resentencing the Menendez Brothers
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Summary
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has formally opposed the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have been serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents. Hochman stated that the brothers have failed to accept full responsibility for their actions and have continuously lied about their motivations, specifically the claim of self-defense. While a resentencing hearing is scheduled for March 20, Hochman's withdrawal of support poses a significant challenge to the brothers' ongoing legal efforts for a sentence reduction, amid claims of past abuse. Their case has regained attention due to new evidence and public interest.
Perspectives
DA Hochman argues that the Menendez brothers have failed to take responsibility for their crimes, maintaining a narrative of self-defense that is not supported by evidence, and thus do not meet standards for resentencing.
Hochman has called for the withdrawal of the prior DA's motion for resentencing, stating that the brothers' claims of self-defense are built on lies, requiring a full acknowledgment of their actions for the court to consider rehabilitation.
The upcoming resentencing hearing could be influenced by the brothers' acceptance of responsibility, though Hochman emphasizes that they have not yet demonstrated genuine insight into their past actions.