An attorney representing the Menendez family has indicated that Hochman, the new prosecutor handling the case, has only met with the brothers’ uncle, Milton Anderson, who believes the Menendez brothers should remain in prison. This initial development is viewed as concerning by the family attorney, Bryan Freedman, who expressed his disappointment in an interview with The Post. Freedman refuted claims that Hochman had reached out to family members supporting Lyle and Erik’s release, emphasizing the importance of engaging with those who have known the brothers best during their 30 years of incarceration.
In an email to Hochman, Freedman highlighted the significance of meeting with the victims – referring to the 20 family members he represents – who have had direct interactions with Lyle and Erik over the years. He pointed out that Anderson, who had limited contact with the brothers, was not representative of the broader family sentiment. The Menendez brothers had confessed to the brutal murders of their parents during the trial, adding to the complexity of their case.
Kathy Cady, Anderson’s attorney, echoed his stance on keeping the Menendez brothers behind bars, citing a belief in the necessity of justice being served. Meanwhile, a detailed 57-page petition for parole on behalf of the brothers was presented to Judge Michael Jesic, reflecting a push for reconsideration of their sentencing.
Among the many family members represented by Freedman, Joan Vander Molen expressed support for a resentencing and potential parole for the Menendez brothers. However, concerns arose when two key members of the District Attorney’s office involved in the efforts to secure freedom for the brothers were reassigned by Hochman.
Notably, Nancy Theberge, the former head of Gascon’s resentencing unit, was relocated to the office of the alternate public defender, while Brock Lunsford was moved out of the post-conviction unit but remained within the DA’s office. Freedman voiced apprehension over their removal from the case, suggesting that their expertise might not be reinstated following the reassignments.
The decision to remove Theberge and Lunsford from spearheading the Menendez brothers’ parole efforts raised suspicions about Hochman’s motivations. Freedman speculated that this move indicated a lack of experience or potential political influences at play within the prosecution team. Hochman’s approach to treating each brother’s case separately was highlighted during a segment on “NBC Nightly News” with Lester Holt, emphasizing the complexity of their individual circumstances.
Gascon’s advocacy for the brothers extended beyond legal channels, as he petitioned Governor Gavin Newsom for clemency on their behalf. In response, Newsom deferred to Hochman’s review pending further input from the prosecutor’s office. California Superior Court Judge Jesic postponed a hearing on the Menendez brothers’ case until the end of January to allow for Hochman’s team to provide additional insights.
The ongoing developments surrounding the Menendez brothers’ potential parole continue to captivate public interest and legal scrutiny. With conflicting viewpoints from family
