Menendez brothers resentencing hearing scheduled for next week after many delays

The fate of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the infamous brothers who murdered their wealthy parents in Beverly Hills over 30 years ago, hangs in the balance as a Los Angeles judge prepares to make a decision on their resentencing next week. The court will hear arguments for and against granting them parole in a long and chaotic legal battle that has seen numerous twists and turns.

Judge Michael V. Jesic was expected to rule on the case last month but delayed his decision after the brothers’ lawyer requested the removal of LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman from the case. The lawyer, Mark Geragos, accused Hochman of carrying out a personal vendetta against the Menendez brothers, which led to a contentious legal battle.

After Geragos withdrew his motion to remove Hochman from the case, the path was cleared for the resentencing hearing to proceed. This hearing comes just before Governor Gavin Newsom is set to make his own decision on whether to grant the brothers a pardon, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Family members from across the country are expected to testify on behalf of Lyle and Erik, supporting their claims that they killed their parents out of fear for their lives after enduring years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez, and his wife Kitty. The brothers were only in their early twenties when they purchased shotguns and carried out the brutal murders in their family home.

The Menendez brothers were convicted of first-degree murder after highly-publicized trials in the 90s. A Netflix documentary about the case reignited interest in their story, leading former District Attorney George Gascón to file a motion for resentencing. However, Hochman’s attempts to derail the resentencing efforts have caused further delays and complications in the legal process.

If the judge denies parole for Lyle and Erik next week, or if the hearing is postponed once again, there is still a possibility for the brothers to seek clemency from Governor Newsom. The state parole board is also conducting its own review to determine whether the brothers have been rehabilitated, with a final parole board hearing scheduled for June.

The Menendez brothers’ case continues to captivate the public’s attention as they await a decision that will determine their fate after decades behind bars. The outcome of the resentencing hearing and potential clemency decision from Governor Newsom will shape the future of these notorious criminals.