California Governor Gavin Newsom has postponed any clemency decision for Lyle and Erik Menendez until the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman reviews their case. Newsom’s decision respects the role of the incoming DA in ensuring justice, as Hochman takes over from George Gascón, who had supported the brothers’ clemency petition.
“The Governor respects the role of the District Attorney in ensuring justice is served and recognizes that voters have entrusted District Attorney-elect Hochman to carry out this responsibility,” Newsom’s office said in a statement. “The Governor will defer to the DA-elect’s review and analysis of the Menendez case prior to making any clemency decisions.”
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Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, has pledged a thorough review of the Menendez case, including examining trial transcripts and consulting with relevant parties.
“I will have to review the confidential prison files for each brother, the transcripts from both trials, and speak to the prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel, and the victims’ family members,” he said after his Election Day victory. “Only then can I make a decision. If, for some reason, I need additional time, I will ask the court for that time.”
This delay follows Gascón’s recent advocacy for resentencing the Menendez brothers, citing new evidence and their alleged rehabilitation. The brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, have been serving life without parole and have consistently claimed they acted in response to abuse.
Hochman will assume office in December, and a resentencing hearing is scheduled for December 11.
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