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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday he has withdrawn a previous recommendation to reduce the life sentences of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989.
The reversal comes after former District Attorney George Gascón had recommended the brothers’ sentences of life without the possibility of parole be reduced to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole. Hochman cited “legitimate reasons” for withdrawing the recommendation, disagreeing with his predecessor’s stance.
“This decision is based on a careful review of the case,” Hochman stated.
The Menendez brothers, who have served 35 years in prison for the shotgun murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home, claimed they acted in self-defense after years of alleged abuse by their father. Prosecutors argued the killings were financially motivated and the abuse allegations were false.
Hochman’s announcement follows his recent opposition to the brothers’ attempt to challenge their convictions based on what their lawyers described as new evidence. The brothers are also seeking clemency, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the state’s parole board to assess whether they pose an “unreasonable” public safety risk if released.
Gascón, in a “Dateline” interview, acknowledged the brutality of the murders but highlighted the brothers’ exemplary behavior in prison, including assisting inmates with disabilities, initiating a green space project, and pursuing college courses. He also noted their lack of violence towards other inmates.
While many family members support the brothers’ release, Kitty Menendez’s brother, Milton Anderson, had previously voiced strong opposition, citing “pure greed” as their motive. Anderson died on March 3rd.
The Menendez brothers were tried twice in the 1990s. Their first trial ended in a mistrial, and they were subsequently convicted of first-degree murder in their second trial.
