Additional Coverage:
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman is pushing back against the Menendez brothers’ latest attempt to overturn their convictions. Hochman has asked the court to deny the brothers’ habeas corpus petition, which seeks a new trial or dismissal of the case.
The petition centers on two pieces of new evidence. The first is a letter Erik Menendez allegedly wrote to his cousin detailing abuse by their father. The second involves allegations from former Menudo member Roy Rossello, who claims he was abused by Jose Menendez.
Hochman argues the letter isn’t credible. He questions why it wasn’t presented at either of the brothers’ trials, especially since the cousin testified about the alleged abuse. Hochman points out Erik Menendez testified extensively about the abuse at his second trial.
Regarding Rossello’s allegations, Hochman says they are inadmissible because the brothers were unaware of them at the time of the murders. Therefore, the allegations couldn’t have influenced their actions.
The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, which advocates for the brothers’ release, criticized Hochman’s stance. They argue he’s dismissing evidence of abuse and ignoring its potential impact on the brothers’ actions. The coalition maintains the jury never heard the full story.
The brothers were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents. They claimed self-defense due to years of abuse, while prosecutors argued they killed for money. They are currently serving life sentences without parole.
Besides the habeas corpus petition, the brothers are pursuing other avenues for release. One is resentencing.
Former DA George Gascón recommended their sentences be changed to make them eligible for parole. Hochman has yet to announce his position on resentencing.
The brothers have also requested clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom has indicated he will wait for Hochman’s review of the case before making a decision.