California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided not to make a clemency decision regarding the murder convictions of Eric and Lyle Menendez until the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, reviews the case.
Driving the news: Prosecutors recommended resentencing the Menendez brothers for the 1989 murders of their parents, with the current District Attorney George Gascón proposing a new sentence of 50 years to life, potentially making them eligible for parole immediately.
- Newsom, who supported Gascón, is deferring to the review and analysis of the case by the incoming District Attorney, Hochman, following Gascón’s election loss.
- Hochman has stated that he cannot comment on the resentencing recommendation until he reviews confidential documents related to the case.
The backstory: Originally sentenced in 1996 to life in prison without the possibility of parole, Lyle and Erik Menendez admitted to fatally shooting their parents, claiming self-defense due to alleged abuse.
- The brothers’ extended family has advocated for their release, arguing that given society’s increased awareness of sexual abuse impacts, the brothers would not have been convicted of first-degree murder today.
What they’re saying: “The governor respects the role of the district attorney in ensuring justice is served and recognizes that voters have entrusted District Attorney-elect Hochman to carry out this responsibility,” Newsom’s office said in a statement. “The governor will defer to the DA-elect’s review and analysis of the Menendez case prior to making any clemency decisions.”
