The resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of killing their parents in 1989, has been postponed again, this time for nearly two months, due to the devastating wildfires in Southern California. Originally scheduled for January 30-31, the hearing has now been rescheduled for March 20-21, following an earlier delay from November. Officials announced Friday that wildfire disruptions have hindered preparations for the proceedings.
The fires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, have scorched over 40,000 acres—an area larger than Washington, D.C.—and caused widespread devastation. As of Wednesday, at least 25 lives have been lost, over 12,000 homes and structures destroyed, and hundreds of thousands forced to evacuate.
Public services have been halted, and relief efforts are underway to assist those impacted.
The Menendez brothers, now in their fifties, were sentenced to life without parole for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. They have requested resentencing after new evidence surfaced alleging sexual abuse by their father. Renewed public interest in their case has been sparked by a Netflix drama series and documentary.
In October 2024, then-District Attorney George Gascón recommended reducing their sentence to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole. His opponent, current District Attorney Nathan Hochman, criticized the proposal as a political move. Hochman met with the Menendez family earlier this month before the latest delay was announced.
