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yesterday

Menendez Defense Withdraws Motion to Recuse DA, Resentencing Hearings Set

Judge Michael Jesic will proceed with resentencing hearings on May 13–14 after the Menendez brothers’ attorneys unexpectedly dropped their bid to remove DA Nathan Hochman from the case.

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Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the two pleaded innocent in the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their wealthy parents.
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Overview

  • Erik and Lyle Menendez, serving life without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, are seeking resentencing and clemency, citing alleged abuse as a defense.
  • Defense attorneys withdrew their motion to recuse Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman, who opposes resentencing, citing alleged bias and personnel decisions.
  • Judge Michael Jesic confirmed the May 13–14 dates for the resentencing hearings and will consider the admissibility of confidential risk assessment reports.
  • The state parole board’s risk assessment, ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom and under protective order, will inform clemency decisions at a June 13 hearing.
  • The case highlights evolving societal views on abuse and trauma and ongoing legal debates over Marsy’s Law, prosecutorial discretion, and rehabilitation.