Judge to hear arguments over whether LA County DA should be kicked off Menendez brothers case

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 3:24 pm

**Menendez Brothers Case: Judge to Decide if LA County DA Should Be Removed**

A Los Angeles judge is set to hear arguments on Friday regarding whether Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman should be removed from the resentencing case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, the brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. The Menendez brothers' attorneys are arguing for Hochman's recusal, citing bias and alleging he has taken actions to undermine their resentencing efforts.

The defense claims Hochman is biased, pointing to his demotion of prosecutors who supported the brothers' resentencing. Hochman, who opposes resentencing, has called the recusal motion a "desperate step" lacking merit, arguing that disagreement with the opposing side doesn't constitute a conflict of interest.

The defense is not only seeking Hochman's removal but also requesting the entire Los Angeles County District Attorney's office be removed from the case, which would typically pass the case to the state attorney general. However, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sided with Hochman, stating the defense hasn't sufficiently proven a conflict of interest.

This legal battle comes as the Menendez family has accused Hochman of tilting the scales of justice. Legal experts, like Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor, note that recusal requests of this nature are rare, especially for an entire district attorney's office.

The brothers were initially sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996. The resentencing possibility arose after former District Attorney George Gascn sought to reduce their sentences, citing modern understandings of trauma and the brothers' rehabilitation. Hochman, however, believes the brothers haven't taken full responsibility. The final hearing, scheduled for June 13, will influence whether Governor Gavin Newsom grants the brothers clemency.

Keywords: Menendez brothers, Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney, resentencing, recusal, bias, conflict of interest, Erik Menendez, Lyle Menendez, murder, parents, California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, George Gascn, clemency, Gavin Newsom, legal, court, hearing, defense, prosecution, judge, attorney, parole.

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