- The court delayed the resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of the 1989 murder of their parents. Prosecutors and the defense filed competing motions, prompting the judge to postpone proceedings.
- District attorney Nathan Hochman requested a risk assessment be considered. Defense attorney Mark Geragos called the move a “dog and pony show” and also filed to have Hochman removed for alleged bias.
- A hearing to address both motions is set for May 9.
Full Story
Lyle and Erik Menendez’s resentencing hearing is now delayed, as both the defense and prosecution have filed motions for the judge to consider before the case progresses.
A judge sentenced the Menendez brothers to life in prison after their conviction in the 1989 killing of their parents. They’ve been behind bars for 35 years and are trying to regain their freedom.
The brothers’ resentencing was scheduled for Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18.
Risk assessment motion filed by prosecution
Before proceedings could get underway Thursday, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed a motion Wednesday evening, April 16. Hochman wants the judge to consider a risk assessment of the brothers. California Gov. Gavin Newsom later ordered the state parole board to conduct the risk assessment, which was completed but not yet released.
Hochman wanted the judge to take the risk assessment into account at Thursday’s resentencing hearing.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos criticized the move as the prosecution’s attempt at a “dog and pony show,” ABC 7 Los Angeles reported.
Heated exchanges and motions in court
According to reports, Geragos and Hochman hurled insults and interruptions at each other in the courtroom Thursday before the judge called a recess.
The judge asked the two to hold a private conversation behind closed doors.
Geragos then filed a motion to have Hochman removed from the case, arguing he is biased against the Menendez brothers.
Background and upcoming hearing
Hochman, elected into office in November 2024, filed a motion to withdraw former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón’s resentencing request for the brothers. His bid failed Friday, April 11, when the judge agreed to allow the resentencing hearing to proceed.
Hochman argues the brothers have lied for years about their motive to kill their parents. He claims they also lied about being sexually abused by their father.
The hearing for the judge to consider both motions is scheduled for May 9.
