Los Angeles County (Thechieftainspear) – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have been serving life sentences without parole for the 1989 killings of their parents, will have a parole hearing on June 13 as part of an ongoing clemency review process.
Speaking on his new podcast, Newsom explained that both brothers will appear separately before the parole board, after which a report will be submitted to him for further consideration.
“On June 13, both Lyle and Erik Menendez will have their final hearing. That report will then be sent to a judge for resentencing, and it will play a role in our independent review of their clemency application,” Newsom stated.
District Attorney Takes a Tough Stance
The Menendez brothers, who claim they acted in self-defense due to years of abuse, had previously been given hope when former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón supported modifying their sentences. Gascón believed they should no longer serve life without parole and instead receive 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole immediately due to their ages at the time of the crime.
However, the recent election of Nathan Hochman as L.A. County District Attorney has shifted the tone. Hochman, who took office in December, strongly opposes their release and has moved to reverse the previous recommendation.
“Our position is that they should remain in prison,” Hochman said at a recent press conference. “The court will ultimately decide, but we do not support any reduction of their sentence.”
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His decision has sparked controversy, particularly among family members of the Menendez brothers who support their release.
Family Dispute and Legal Battle
One of the brothers’ cousins, Tamara Goodell, has publicly criticized Hochman, accusing him of dismissing their claims of abuse and treating the family with “hostility and a lack of compassion.” She has urged the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division to intervene and remove Hochman from the case.
The brothers are also pursuing two additional legal avenues for release.
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Habeas Corpus Petition: Filed in 2023, this petition argues that new evidence— including a letter Erik wrote detailing his alleged abuse and testimony from a former boy band member who claimed Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him—was never presented at trial and should be considered. Hochman, however, has asked the court to dismiss the petition, arguing the evidence is unreliable.
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Clemency Request: The brothers have formally asked Newsom for clemency, prompting the governor to order a 90-day risk assessment to determine whether they would pose a public safety risk if released.
What’s Next?
Newsom emphasized that no decision has been made and that the clemency process remains ongoing.
“There’s no predetermined outcome here,” he said. “This process is about ensuring transparency and due diligence before I make any determination.”
As the parole hearing approaches, the fate of the Menendez brothers remains uncertain, with fierce debate continuing over whether justice was properly served—or if it’s time for a second chance.
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