Convicted murderers Lyle and Erik Menendez will have their cases resentenced separately, according to new Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
“This is an important decision, although that decision is not going to get a more rigorous review of the facts and law than any other decision,” Hochman told NBC News.
“While they’re called the Menéndez Brothers case, there’s an Erik Menéndez case and a Lyle Menéndez case,” he added. “So we will look at each case separately, which is the way they actually should be handled.”
Hochman’s predecessor, George Gascón, had requested a reduced sentenced for the brothers in October, which would have made them immediately eligible for parole. A hearing for their resentencing was previously postponed until January 2025.
Last week, Hochman removed two deputy district attorneys who had petitioned to have the brothers’ sentences reduced from the post-conviction unit.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said last month he would wait for Hochman to review the case before deciding on the brothers’ plea for clemency.
Erik and Lyle Menendez, now 53 and 56, are serving life sentences for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.
“We’re going to go through all that evidence and weigh all the factors and ultimately come to the judge and say, to the judge, here’s all the records,” Hochman told Deadline last week. “Here are your options. And make sure that whatever decision is ultimately made is the best-informed decision possible.”