Brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez are scheduled to attend separate parole board hearings on June 13, as part of their request for clemency, according to an announcement made by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor shared on his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” that the parole board’s independent analysis and recommendation on June 13 will help guide his office’s decision-making process in reviewing the clemency application.
This upcoming hearing follows a 90-day independent risk assessment that Newsom previously ordered, aimed at evaluating whether the brothers present an “unreasonable risk to the public” if released. The assessment will consider factors such as the applicants’ current risk level, impact on victims, self-development since the offense, utilization of rehabilitative programs, treatment needs, and risk factors for reoffending.
Governor Newsom emphasized that his clemency decision will be based solely on factual information and not influenced by external factors such as celebrity status. He highlighted the importance of an objective review by a team of experts, including forensic psychologists, during the parole hearings to thoroughly examine the case.
The Menendez brothers are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents. Despite over 35 years in prison, more than 20 of their relatives are advocating for their release. Newsom reiterated his commitment to conducting an unbiased and thorough evaluation of their case, separate from any external influences like media portrayals of the brothers’ story.
In addition to seeking clemency, the Menendez brothers are pursuing alternative routes to freedom upon release, including resentencing and a petition to review new evidence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman recently declared his opposition to resentencing, citing the brothers’ lack of accountability for their actions and labeling their self-defense claims as a series of falsehoods. Hochman stated that because the brothers persist in maintaining these falsehoods over the past three decades and deny any involvement in perjury, they do not meet the criteria for resentencing.
This stance marks a departure from Hochman’s predecessor, George Gascón, who expressed support for resentencing last October, commending the brothers’ efforts to rehabilitate themselves while incarcerated. Governor Newsom mentioned in his podcast that Hochman’s decision will not impact the clemency process. The final decision on resentencing will be determined by the judge, with a hearing scheduled for March 20 and 21.
Furthermore, Hochman opposes the brothers’ habeas corpus petition, filed in 2023 for a review of two new pieces of evidence not presented during the trial. These include a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin detailing alleged abuse by his father before the murders, as well as allegations from a former boy band member who disclosed in 2023 that he was sexually assaulted by Jose Menendez. Hochman recently requested the court to reject the habeas corpus petition, arguing that the new evidence lacks credibility and admissibility.
The Menendez brothers are set to participate in parole board hearings in June, as confirmed by Governor Newsom.
