Menendez brothers resentencing hopes hinge on key court hearing in murder case
Share and Follow


The fate of the Menendez brothers is one step closer to a decision as the possibility of being freed from prison could soon become a reality. 

A judge will consider Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s request to withdraw his predecessor George Gascon’s motion to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez on Friday, days before their resentencing hearing is set to take place.

Friday’s hearing is set for 10 a.m. local time, when the brothers are expected to appear remotely.

Hochman announced on Wednesday that his office has filed a reply on the resentencing matter, saying he does not agree with the resentencing, but is prepared to move forward. The brothers’ attorneys have argued they should have been convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, in which case they would already have been released from prison. 

Their first trial ended in a mistrial, when jurors couldn’t agree on their fate. After a second trial in the mid-1990s, in which some of their evidence about the alleged sexual abuse was excluded, jurors agreed with prosecutors that their motive was greed. 

If the judge decides to resentence the Menendez brothers, it will then be up to the state parole board to consider their release.   

They are already scheduled to appear before the board on June 13 as part of a comprehensive risk assessment report ordered by Newsom, who is considering the brothers’ clemency request – a separate potential path to freedom.

“Be careful what you wish for, because I think, in the end, the way this plays out is the Menendez brothers are likely to be granted parole either through resentencing or clemency from Newsom,” Claypool said. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s office and the Menendez brothers’ attorneys for comment. 

Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz and Ashley Papa contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Brown University shooting reveals major gap in Providence's $1M 'real time crime center'

Unveiling the Flaws: Brown University Incident Exposes Cracks in Providence’s $1M Crime Center

The recent shooting at Brown University has spotlighted a significant shortfall in…
Vanity Fair photographer breaks silence on Karoline Leavitt close-up

Vanity Fair Photographer Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Insight on Karoline Leavitt’s Exclusive Portrait

The photographer responsible for the contentious Vanity Fair images of Karoline Leavitt…
Oil companies shun Trump's brazen request to return to Venezuela

Major Oil Firms Reject Trump’s Bold Proposal to Resume Operations in Venezuela

The Trump administration is facing an unexpected challenge as it attempts to…
Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy, approve on immigration; Emerson College Polling

Emerson College Poll: Americans Criticize Trump’s Economic Policies, Praise Immigration Approach

A recent poll by Emerson College Polling reveals a divided opinion among…
Georgia homeowner charged in shooting of suspected teen porch pirates

Georgia Homeowner Faces Charges in Shooting Incident Involving Alleged Teen Porch Pirates

A Georgia homeowner is facing charges after allegedly shooting two teenagers suspected…
Kirsty MacColl's ex: 'She was killed by Mexico's richest man'

Allegations Resurface: Kirsty MacColl’s Ex Claims Mexico’s Wealthiest Man Responsible for Her Tragic Death

On this day, we remember the tragic loss of Kirsty MacColl, who…
Dan Bongino announces he's QUIT FBI to return to popular talk show

Dan Bongino Exits FBI: Returns to Reignite Fan-Favorite Talk Show

On Wednesday, Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, announced his…
Girl with special needs rescued from roof of Lake City PetSmart

Young Girl with Special Needs Successfully Rescued from Lake City PetSmart Rooftop

In a dramatic rescue, the Lake City Fire Department came to the…