The possibility of Lyle and Erik Menendez ever leaving prison faces a new obstacle following revelations from their Comprehensive Risk Assessment (CRA) detailing concerning behavior. The CRA details emerged during court proceedings on Friday, as Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman sought to halt the resentencing process, but Judge Michael Jesic ultimately allowed it to proceed. Hochman raised concerns about new evidence in the CRA reports, which he claimed were not included in the original reports requested by former LA DA George Gascon.
Hochman presented findings from the CRA reports conducted by state psychologists, indicating a heightened risk of violence upon the Menendez brothers’ release. Both Erik and Lyle had recently violated prison rules for possessing cell phones, with Lyle displaying deceitful behavior and a sense of entitlement, while Erik showed behavior issues and immaturity, susceptible to negative influences. Incidents of drug possession and aiding in tax fraud were also mentioned in the reports.
As the resentencing process moves forward, there are ongoing legal battles involving Hochman’s involvement in the case, with the defense pushing for his recusal. The Menendez brothers’ case has been described as politically charged, with Governor Gavin Newsom’s order for the CRA preceding any possibility of parole, a departure from standard procedure.
Los Los Angeles attorney Tre Lovell mentioned to Fox News Digital that while the Comprehensive Risk Assessment (CRA) holds importance, it isn’t the sole determining factor. He explained that both sides will have the opportunity to question the assessors, and the court will take the assessment into account but will primarily rely on cross-examinations and specific factual findings during court testing.
Judge Michael Jesic of the superior court in Van Nuys, California, oversaw a request made by Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s office to withdraw a resentencing motion for the Menendez Brothers. This motion had been initiated by Hochman’s predecessor, former DA George Gascon. Judge Jesic highlighted the subjective nature of the state psychologists’ conclusions, which are not subject to cross-examination in his court. He cautioned about the limitations of the CRA when used outside the state parole system.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos raised concerns in court about Hochman misrepresenting the psychologists’ conclusions and criticized the proceedings as a show. He pointed out the known cell phone violations in prison and invited Hochman to visit the Menendez Brothers in prison to witness their progress during their 35-year incarceration. Lyle and Erik Menendez are scheduled to appear at the Van Nuys West Courthouse for further resentencing proceedings on May 13 and 14.
With unresolved issues regarding the risk assessment report, the upcoming court dates will be crucial as the brothers pursue resentencing for the 1989 murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
