Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated on Monday that Lyle and Erik Menendez must fully admit to the lies they told about the shotgun murder of their parents 35 years ago before he would endorse their release from prison. Hochman outlined a potential pathway for the brothers to be released, emphasizing the need for them to finally take responsibility for the crimes and deceit they have perpetrated over the past three decades. The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder for killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989 when Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18. A recent Netflix documentary series presenting new evidence of alleged sexual abuse by their parents prompted the previous district attorney to advocate for a resentencing and potential release. However, Hochman, who took over the position in November’s election, expressed reluctance towards leniency and highlighted the brothers’ insufficient acknowledgment of their crimes and falsehoods. He urged the Menendez brothers to come clean and fully disclose the truth to the court, the public, the D.A.’s office, and their family members. While some family members have supported their release, others, such as Milton Anderson, have opposed it. Governor Gavin Newsom has requested the parole board to assess whether the Menendez brothers would pose a risk to public safety if released.
