Menendez Brothers' Resentencing Hearing: A 30-Year-Old Case Seeks Reconsideration

Attorneys for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murders of their parents in 1989, are seeking a re-examination of their case. The brothers have spent nearly 30 years in prison, and their lawyers argue that new evidence, including testimony from a former member of the boy band Menudo who was allegedly abused by the father, Jose Menendez, warrants a reduced sentence or even their release. The Los Angeles judge set to consider the resentencing has not yet made a decision, but if the brothers' sentences are shortened, they would still need approval from the state's parole board to be released.

Key Takeaways:

• The Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996 for the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
• The brothers have spent nearly 30 years in prison, and their lawyers argue that new evidence of alleged abuse by their father warrants a reduced sentence.
• The brothers' retrial in 1996 was marked by the exclusion of evidence about alleged sexual abuse, and they were convicted of first-degree murder.
• The California appeals court upholds the brothers' conviction in 1998, and the state Supreme Court agrees.
• The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denies the brothers' habeas corpus appeal in 2005.
• In 2023, attorneys for the Menendez brothers ask the court to reconsider the convictions and life sentences in light of new evidence from a former member of Menudo.
• In 2024, then-Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announces that his office is reviewing new evidence in the case.
• Multiple generations of the Menendez family hold a news conference in 2024, pleading for the brothers' release from prison.
• Prosecutors announce in 2024 that they will petition the court to resentence the brothers, potentially leading to their release.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom says in 2024 that he would not decide on granting the brothers clemency until after the newly elected district attorney reviews the case.
• The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge delays the resentencing hearings in 2024 due to disputes among prosecutors and the brothers' lawyers.
• In 2025, new resentencing hearing dates are set for May 13 and 14.

Statistics:

• 1989: The Menendez brothers murder their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
• 1990s: The brothers are arrested, tried, and convicted of first-degree murder.
• 1996: The brothers are sentenced to life in prison without parole.
• 2023: Attorneys for the Menendez brothers ask the court to reconsider the convictions and life sentences in light of new evidence.
• 2024: The Los Angeles District Attorney's office reviews new evidence in the case, and prosecutors announce that they will petition the court to resentence the brothers.
• 2025: The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge delays the resentencing hearings due to disputes among prosecutors and the brothers' lawyers.

Sources:

• AP news wire
• 1990s March 1990: Lyle Menendez, then 21, is arrested. A few days later, Erik Menendez, 18, turns himself in. They are charged with first-degree murder.
• July 1993: The Menendez brothers go on trial, each with a separate jury.
• January 1994: Both juries deadlock.
• October 1995: The brothers' retrial begins, this time with a single jury.
• March 1996: Jurors convict both brothers of first-degree murder.
• July 1996: The brothers are sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• February 1998: A California appeals court upholds the brothers' conviction, and three months later, the state Supreme Court agrees.
• September 2005: The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denies their habeas corpus appeal.
• 2023 May 3: Attorneys for the Menendez brothers ask the court to reconsider the convictions and life sentences in light of new evidence from a former member of the boy band Menudo, who said he was raped by Jose Menendez when he was 14.
• 2024 Sep. 19: Netflix releases the crime drama " Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, "
• Oct. 4: Gascón says his office is reviewing new evidence in the case.
• Oct. 16: Multiple generations of family members of the Menendez brothers hold a news conference pleading for their release from prison.
• Oct. 24: Prosecutors say they will petition the court to resentence the brothers, and that it could lead to their release.
• Nov. 18: California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he would not decide on granting the brothers clemency until after the newly elected district attorney has a chance to review the case.
• Nov. 25: A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge holds a hearing regarding the request for resentencing but says he needs more time to make a decision, delaying the resentencing hearings.
• Dec. 3: Nathan Hochman is sworn into office as the new district attorney of LA County.
• 2025 Feb. 21: Hochman says his office will oppose a new trial for the Menendez brothers.
• The following week, Newsom orders the state parole board to conduct a "comprehensive risk assessment" to determine whether the brothers have been rehabilitated and if they would pose a danger to the public if released.
• March 10: Hochman says his office won't support resentencing the brothers because they have repeatedly lied about why they killed their parents.
• April 11: Judge denies prosecutors' request to withdraw their resentencing petition.
• The following week, resentencing hearings scheduled are delayed due to disputes among prosecutors and the brothers' lawyers, who say they will ask to remove Hochman's office from the case.
• May 9: Hochman's office remains on the case as the judge again denies prosecutors' request to withdraw their resentencing petition.
• New resentencing hearing dates are set for May 13 and 14.