L.A. District Attorney Opposes Menendez Brothers’ Release, Citing Lack of Full Admission

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has stated that Lyle and Erik Menendez must fully acknowledge all lies they told about the 1989 murder of their parents before he would support their release from prison. The brothers, convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole, have long claimed they acted in self-defense due to alleged sexual abuse by their parents. While the previous district attorney, George Gascon, sought their resentencing, Hochman opposes the move and will ask the judge to withdraw the request at a hearing on March 20-21.

Defense attorney Mark Geragos has pushed back against Hochman’s stance, arguing that the brothers have already taken responsibility for their past falsehoods and that prosecutors should instead focus on their rehabilitation efforts in prison. The case, which gained national attention in the 1990s due to the brothers’ privileged background, has resurfaced following a recent Netflix documentary that introduced new evidence supporting their abuse claims. While some family members back their release, Hochman has cast doubt on their allegations and insists they have not shown full remorse.

Separately, California Governor Gavin Newsom has asked the parole board to evaluate whether the Menendez brothers would pose a public safety risk if released. Meanwhile, Hochman maintains that they must accept full responsibility for their crimes before any reconsideration of their sentences.

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