Menendez brothers' highly anticipated resentencing hearing will be next week

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:55 pm

The Menendez brothers' resentencing hearing is set to proceed next week, May 13th and 14th, a judge ruled Friday. This highly anticipated hearing comes as new details about Erik and Lyle Menendez's behavior behind bars have emerged, adding another layer of complexity to their decades-long legal battle.

A key point of contention is the California Board of Parole's recently completed risk assessment, requested by Governor Gavin Newsom as part of the brothers' clemency bid. The assessment, which the judge will partially consider, revealed concerning details, including the possession of illegal cellphones and alleged involvement in drug-related activities and tax fraud by Erik. The assessment also labeled Lyle as narcissistic.

The assessment concluded that the brothers pose a moderate risk to the community if released, highlighting their history of rule-breaking within prison. However, the assessment likely also includes positive aspects of their behavior, such as their educational achievements and programs to help other inmates, as praised by former District Attorney George Gascn.

The current District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, who opposes resentencing, argued the risk assessment is relevant to the case. Defense attorney Mark Geragos, however, prefers its use solely for the upcoming parole hearing. Geragos also withdrew his attempt to remove Hochman from the case.

The resentencing hearing stems from Gascn's recommendation to remove the brothers' life without parole sentences, potentially making them eligible for parole. Hochman, who replaced Gascn, has fought against this, but the judge denied his request to withdraw the resentencing petition. The brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, have the support of family members in their fight for freedom. The resentencing hearing will now feature seven witnesses for the defense, including two experts.

Keywords: Menendez brothers, resentencing, hearing, Erik Menendez, Lyle Menendez, risk assessment, parole, clemency, prison, murder, Nathan Hochman, Mark Geragos, Gavin Newsom, George Gascn, life without parole, Jose Menendez, Kitty Menendez, court, legal battle

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