The case of the Menendez brothers returns to legal prominence in California, with new allegations about a possible conflict of interest and renewed attempts to modify its sentences. The new Los Angeles district attorney’s office, Nathan Hochmanfaces criticism as it examines the possibility of re-sentencing for brothers convicted of their parents’ murder, José and Kitty Menendezin 1989.
According to Fox Newsthe brothers’ defenders seek to have the case handled by the State Attorney General’s Office, arguing the existence of ethical conflicts.
The spokesperson for Hochman’s office described the allegations against his office as “baseless.” “The conflict of interest issue, raised first with the media before the district attorney’s office, is without merit,” he told Fox News Digital.
Likewise, he assured that the relatives of the victims who wish to offer their testimony will be heard before a final decision is made. “These discussions should be completed in the coming weeks,” he stressed.
The controversy arose around Kathleen Cady, Milton Andersen’s former lawyer and new director of the Office of Victim Services in Los Angeles County. According to a report by ABC NewsBryan Freedman, Andersen’s current legal representative, argued that Hochman’s office’s hiring of Cady could constitute an ethical conflict.
Although the legal defender declined to comment due to her new position, Freedman plans to request that the case be transferred to the California Attorney General’s office.
Media interest in Erik and Lyle has resurfaced after the premiere of series about their case and the statements of Roy Roselloformer member of the band Menudo, who in 2022 presented accusations of abuse against José Menéndez, father of the convicted men.
These testimonies, along with a letter written by Erik Menéndez months before the crime to his cousin Andy Cano, are part of the legal strategy to argue for a reduction of the sentence. However, prosecutors have questioned the authenticity of these documents. Cano, who died in 2003had already testified in one of the trials, which complicates the analysis of new evidence.
On the other hand, the opposition of some relatives of the victims towards the possible release of the brothers continues to be a central element of the case. Milton Andersen, the Menéndezes’ uncle and Kitty’s brother, flatly rejected the abuse allegations brought forward by his nephews.
“I do not believe the claims of sexual abuse towards my brother-in-law. “I loved my sister deeply and I cry for her every day,” the man declared through his lawyer RJ Dreiling to Fox News Digital.
The sentencing of Erik and Joseph “Lyle” Menéndez to life in prison without the possibility of parole could be reconsidered due to changes in resentencing laws in California. Hochman’s predecessor, George Gasconhad promoted this possibility before losing his position in an electoral dispute.
According to ABC NewsGascon met only with relatives who supported the brothers’ release, an action that generated controversy and criticism. Attorney Freedman highlighted the alleged lack of inclusion of Andersen’s point of view during the previous administration.
State laws are not the only path the Menéndezes explore to achieve their freedom. According to Fox News Digitalthe presentation of a habeas corpus in parallel represents another legal avenue. However, the governor Gavin Newsom He recently decided not to issue clemency to the brothers, at least for now, preferring to await the results of the Hochman-led review of the case.
Meanwhile, an aspect that generates public attention is the growing expressions of support for the brothers, motivated by documentaries that analyze their case from the angle of an alleged history of child abuse.
