LA DA rejects Menendez brothers' recusal push in resentencing, calls it a 'drastic and desperate step'
Share and Follow

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman responded to a request for recusal in the resentencing case of convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez, calling the move a “drastic and desperate step.”

Hochman filed the response on Friday, arguing that the Menendez brothers are trying to force a recusal simply because they’re unhappy with the district attorney’s overall stance on resentencing.

“In the opposition, the District Attorney’s Office has argued that in a ‘drastic and desperate step,’ the defense has decided to ‘sidestep the central issue of resentencing’ and present an argument ‘devoid of merit’ to recuse the entire District Attorney’s Office,” Hochman said. “The entire defense argument over recusal boils down to the defense not being happy with the current District Attorney’s position on resentencing. While this desperate argument may work in a press interview, it fails in a court of law based on an adversarial system of justice.”

Attorney Mark Geragos, who represents the Menendez brothers, wrote in an April 25 motion that Hochman should recuse himself because of a “conflict of interest.” In that filing, Geragos wrote that Hochman “has a very different view” on resentencing.

One family member, however, objected to the resentencing and filed an amicus brief in opposition through his attorney, Kathleen Cady.

When Hochman won his election against Gascon, Geragos claimed that Theberge and Lunsford were intentionally reassigned because they were viewed as sympathetic to the Menendez brothers. Geragos also claimed that Hochman hired Cady, the attorney who represented the only Menendez family member against resentencing, to lead the district attorney’s Office of Victims’ Services.

A hearing is scheduled for Friday, where Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic will preside.

Nathan Hochman

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman talks about the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez for the murders of their parents decades ago during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo)

The Menendez brothers are currently serving a life sentence without parole after killing their parents, Mary “Kitty” Menendez and Jose Menendez, in 1989 after they were allegedly sexually abused for years by their father.

Fox News Digital reached out to Geragos for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Andrew Cuomo to run as independent in NYC Mayor's race, with a proposal

Andrew Cuomo Announces Independent Bid for NYC Mayor, Unveils Plan

() Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce this…
Cleveland Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins arrested in Fort Lauderdale

Cleveland Browns Rookie Running Back Quinshon Judkins Detained in Fort Lauderdale

The Browns took Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025…
Two adults sweep through the belongings of campers in the aftermath of the flash flood

Camp Mystic Counselor Dies Due to Floods in Central Texas

() Katherine Ferruzzo, the last unaccounted for camp counselor at Camp Mystic,…
Princess Kate beams as she presents Wimbledon trophy to Jannik Sinner

Princess Kate Joyfully Awards Wimbledon Trophy to Jannik Sinner

The Princess of Wales smiled brightly as she awarded Jannik Sinner the…
Ingram family dog makes her way back home days after floodwaters consumed house

Ingram Family’s Dog Safely Returns Home Days After Floodwaters Overwhelm House

Many families had to climb to their roofs, float on mattresses and…
The EU is delaying retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, in hopes of reaching a deal by Aug. 1

EU Postpones Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Imports, Aiming for an Agreement by August 1

BRUSSELS (AP) The EU will suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods scheduled…
Stark warning about booming city where it's cheaper to buy than rent

Urgent Alert: Rapidly Growing City Where Buying a Home Is More Affordable Than Renting

A Boston real estate expert has sounded the alarm over the city’s…
Suzanne Morphew's remains may have been moved twice after being killed, forensic scientist says

Suzanne Morphew’s remains may have been moved twice after being killed, forensic scientist says

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Suzanne Morphew’s body may…