New LA DA Hochman does not support overturning Menendez brothers’ murder convictions
Los Angeles County’s newly-elected District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, made a bold move on Friday by requesting the court to reject the Menendez brothers’ plea for a new trial. This decision comes after former DA George Gascon cited a letter suggesting that the brothers may have been abused by their father as a reason for a new trial.
Hochman raised concerns about the credibility of the evidence presented, stating that it did not meet the necessary standard for a new trial. In particular, he pointed to a letter allegedly written by Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano in 1988, detailing sexual abuse by their father. Hochman questioned the authenticity of the letter and highlighted the delayed presentation of this evidence, dating back to at least 2015.
Despite the pushback from the Menendez brothers’ legal team, Hochman remained steadfast in his decision, emphasizing that the evidence was not admissible and did not meet the criteria for a new trial. He mentioned that Governor Gavin Newsom has a clemency petition on his desk, hinting at potential developments in the coming weeks regarding the brothers’ resentencing.
The Menendez brothers’ family expressed disappointment with Hochman’s decision, accusing him of disregarding the trauma they experienced and dismissing the impact of their abuse. They criticized his handling of the case, alleging that key testimony was withheld from the jury during the trial. The family called for a fair evaluation of the evidence and urged Judge Jesic to consider their rehabilitation and the standards set by California Penal Code 1172.1 and AB 600.
In closing, the family reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for Erik and Lyle, highlighting their dedication to helping others despite the challenges they have faced. They emphasized the need to address the decades-long injustice and move towards healing and closure. The statement concluded with a plea for the truth to be acknowledged and for the brothers to be given a second chance at justice.
