The resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted for the 1989 murders of their parents, has been postponed due to the widespread impact of recent wildfires in California. Originally slated for late January, the hearing is now rescheduled for March 20-21, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
The devastating fires have hindered the extensive preparations required for the hearing. The postponement marks another turn in the brothers' ongoing legal battle. Imprisoned since 1996, they are currently serving life sentences without parole.
The brothers maintain they acted in self-defense, alleging their father, Jose Menendez, was a child sex abuser and they feared for their lives. Their mother, Kitty Menendez, was also killed in the shooting. After the murders, the brothers embarked on a lavish spending spree before eventually being apprehended.
Their initial trial resulted in a hung jury. A second trial, where some evidence of alleged abuse was excluded, led to their conviction based on a motive of greed. Hochman, who replaced former DA George Gascón, has stated he will thoroughly review the case before taking a position. Gascón had previously advocated for resentencing that could have potentially led to the brothers' release under a new California law.
Relatives of the Menendez brothers are divided on the issue of their release. Approximately two dozen family members support their freedom, fueled in part by documentaries exploring the brothers' abuse claims. However, their uncle, Milton Andersen, opposes any leniency. New evidence, including allegations of abuse against Jose Menendez by a former Menudo band member and a letter purportedly written by Erik Menendez before the murders, has emerged, though the letter's authenticity is disputed.
