California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided to delay any action on clemency requests for Erik and Lyle Menendez, the Beverly Hills brothers serving life without parole for the 1989 murder of their parents. Newsom’s office stated that he will wait for the newly elected Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, to review the case.
The governor emphasized his respect for the District Attorney’s role in justice and acknowledged that voters had entrusted Hochman with the responsibility to make decisions regarding the case.
Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, has said he will not make a decision until he fully reviews all aspects of the case, including prison files, trial transcripts, and consultations with relevant parties.
The Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing, which was requested by outgoing District Attorney George Gascon, is set for December 11.
Hochman intends to thoroughly analyze the case after he takes office on December 3.
The brothers have been imprisoned since 1996, serving life sentences for the murders of their parents, Jose and Mary “Kitty” Menendez, in a shotgun attack they claim was in self-defense after alleging their father sexually abused them.
While several family members, including Kitty’s sister, support clemency, others, such as her brother, oppose it, denying the abuse claims.
Hochman may continue Gascon’s effort for resentencing or seek to withdraw the request. Newsom will have the final say on any decisions regarding clemency or parole.
Additionally, the brothers’ legal team is pursuing a habeas corpus petition, citing new evidence supporting their abuse claims.
However, their release by Thanksgiving seems unlikely.
