In a pivotal decision on Friday, Los Angeles judge Michael Jesic ruled that the resentencing process for Erik and Lyle Menendez will move forward, rejecting District Attorney Nathan Hochman's motion to withdraw the petition initiated by his predecessor. This sets the stage for hearings scheduled for April 17–18, where the brothers' legal team will present new evidence and arguments in their decades-long quest for parole eligibility.

During the hearing, Los Angeles County prosecutors revisited the brutal 1989 murders of Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez and José Menéndez, who were shot to death with a shotgun inside their Beverly Hills estate. Speaking in measured tones, prosecutors recounted the horrific events as the Menendez brothers appeared remotely from prison, both wearing glasses and keeping their eyes downcast throughout the proceedings.

The prosecution presented archival footage of the brothers' testimony from their original trial, intercut with clips from the 2024 Netflix docuseries that reignited public interest in the decades-old case. But the most emotionally charged moment came when Assistant Head Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian displayed graphic photos from the crime scene, including images of the parents' bodies inside the mansion's den.

The decision to show the pictures without prior notice sparked outrage from defense attorney Mark Geragos, who accused the DA's office of exploiting the case for political gain.

"To display those photos with family in the courtroom and no warning — it's unconscionable," Geragos said. "This isn't about justice. This is retraumatizing victims for optics."

Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian, who presented the government's case against resentencing, argued that Hochman's team did an "exhaustive, complete review" of the evidence and determined the brothers "haven't changed... they are the same people they were back then."

The Menendez brothers have been incarcerated since their 1996 conviction for the brutal killings of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The case captivated the nation, with the defense arguing that the murders were the result of years of sexual and emotional abuse by their father—a claim the prosecution dismissed as a motive to inherit the family fortune.​

A complicated effort for the Menendez family

In 2023, the brothers' legal team filed a habeas corpus petition, introducing new evidence, including a 1988 letter from Erik to a cousin detailing alleged abuse, and allegations from former Menudo member Roy Rosselló accusing José Menendez of sexual assault. These revelations prompted then-District Attorney George Gascón to recommend resentencing the brothers to 50 years to life, potentially making them eligible for parole.​

However, after Gascón's departure, newly elected DA Nathan Hochman opposed the resentencing, arguing that the brothers have not entirely accepted responsibility for their actions and have perpetuated false narratives about their parents. Hochman's office filed a motion to withdraw the resentencing petition, leading to Friday's critical court decision.​

The Menendez family is united in advocating for their release, citing their rehabilitation and expressions of remorse—except one brother of Kitty Menendez. Governor Gavin Newsom has also directed the state parole board to assess the brothers' suitability for release, with a hearing scheduled for June 13, 2025.​

The Menendez brothers' fate hangs in the balance as the legal battle continues. The court's recent decision will significantly determine whether they will have another opportunity to seek freedom after more than thirty years behind bars.

Originally published on Latin Times

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