Menendez brothers' resentencing bid delayed after contentious day in court

April 18, 2025

The resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989 and are currently serving life without parole, was postponed by a judge until May 9 after proceedings devolved into disputes between defense attorneys and prosecutors. During the contentious hearing, defense attorney Mark Geragos announced plans to seek recusal of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, while prosecutors requested court review of a new risk assessment report about the brothers' potential danger to the public if released. Judge Michael Jesic agreed to delay the proceedings to give all parties time to review the risk assessment report, which was recently completed after California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the state's parole board to examine the case.

Who is affected

Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have spent over 30 years in prison
Members of the Menendez family who support their release and traveled to Los Angeles to testify
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, specifically District Attorney Nathan Hochman
Judge Michael Jesic, who must make the final determination on resentencing

What action is being taken

The resentencing hearing has been postponed until May 9 to allow review of a risk assessment report
Mark Geragos is seeking recusal of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office from the case
California's parole board has completed a risk assessment report examining whether the brothers would be a risk to society if released
The judge is considering requests from both the defense and prosecution before proceeding with the resentencing hearing

Why it matters

The brothers could potentially be freed after serving three decades in prison if given a new sentence
The case continues to divide the nation regarding whether the Menendez brothers deserve a reduced sentence
The outcome represents one of three potential paths to freedom being pursued by the brothers' legal team
The case has received renewed public attention following a Netflix drama and documentary released last year
The resentencing could potentially reduce their conviction to manslaughter or make them eligible for parole

What's next

A hearing is scheduled for May 9 to consider what parts of the risk assessment report will be admissible during the resentencing hearing
The court will also consider the motion to recuse the district attorney's office from the case
Judge Jesic will ultimately determine whether to issue a new sentence, reject their request, or issue a different sentence that would make them eligible for parole

Read full article from source: BBC