Los Angeles District Legal professional Nathan Hochman met Friday with the household of the Menendez brothers, as he weighs whether or not to pursue a resentencing that might enable them to stroll free.
The household has pushed for Erik and Lyle Menendez to be launched, practically 35 years after they have been taken into custody for the murders of their dad and mom, Jose and Kitty. The household argues that the brothers killed their dad and mom in “imperfect” self-defense, after years of Jose’s sexual abuse.
At a press convention Friday afternoon, Hochman stated he had a “productive” assembly with the household, and stated he has not made up his thoughts.
“It was a really productive conversion over plenty of hours,” he stated.
Former District Legal professional George Gascón filed a petition in October to have their sentences decreased, which might make them eligible for parole. A listening to on that request is about for Jan. 30-31.
Hochman, who defeated Gascón in November and was sworn in final month, was sharply crucial of his predecessor throughout the marketing campaign. He might withdraw Gascón’s petition, although the choose might proceed with the resentencing no matter Hochman’s opinion.
Hochman stated his workplace is reviewing hundreds of pages of transcripts and court docket information, and expects to have a call by the Jan. 30 listening to date.
“It’s taking lots of time. It’s a kind of selections you need to ensure you get proper,” he stated. “There’s not lots of free time in my life proper now.”
Greater than 20 members of the Menendez and Andersen households met with Hochman. In an announcement earlier than the assembly, the household stated they have been “looking forward to an open and truthful dialogue.”
“Regardless of the abuse they endured as youngsters and the unfairness of their present sentence, Erik and Lyle Menendez have spent the final three many years taking accountability for his or her actions and contributing positively to their neighborhood via management and rehabilitation,” the household stated within the assertion.
The brothers’ lawyer, Mark Geragos, was anticipated to carry a press convention Friday to debate the assembly, however canceled it. The household didn’t attend Hochman’s press convention.
Jose and Kitty Menendez have been killed by shotgun blasts of their Beverly Hills residence in 1989. The brothers have been sentenced to life with out the potential of parole after being convicted of first diploma homicide in 1996.
One member of the family, Kitty’s brother Milton Andersen, has opposed the resentencing. His legal professional, Kathleen Cady, has been employed to serve in Hochman’s administration, prompting the Menendez household lawyer to accuse Hochman of a battle of curiosity. The lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has referred to as for the case to be taken over by the state legal professional common.
Hochman stated that situation didn’t come up throughout the assembly on Friday, and stated there isn’t any battle of curiosity.
The case has drawn renewed public consideration due to the Netflix sequence “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” which was launched in September. The household has additionally argued that new proof helps their claims that they have been abused, and that they’re entitled to a brand new trial.
Gov. Gavin Newsom can also be anticipated to think about a request for clemency, although he has indicated he’ll defer to Hochman.