Los Angeles County’s District Attorney announced Monday his opposition to resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez, who confessed to the 1989 killings of their parents in their Beverly Hills home.
Nathan Hochman, who assumed the role of District Attorney in December, had previously stated his opposition to a new trial for the Menendez brothers last month. The brothers were convicted in 1996 and given life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Hochman stated at a Monday press conference that his decision was based on whether the brothers demonstrated “insight and complete responsibility” regarding false statements made during their initial trial, including their original denials of killing their parents.
Former District Attorney George Gascón recommended in October that the brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole. Hochman has since criticized his predecessor’s recommendation as a “desperate political move.”
The brothers, now in their 50s, were convicted of murdering their father, Jose Menendez, an entertainment executive, and their mother, Kitty Menendez.
They have been seeking freedom in recent years, citing new evidence of their father’s sexual abuse, and have the support of most of their extended family.
California Governor Gavin Newsom directed the state parole board last month to assess the potential risk the brothers would pose to the public if released.
The Menendez brothers are also seeking clemency from Newsom, who has stated he will defer his decision until Hochman has reviewed the case.