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Convicted murderers Lyle and Erik Menendez have been granted a resentencing hearing that could provide them with their release from prison after more than 30 years behind bars. Arguments for and against resentencing the brothers will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 13 and 14, in Los Angeles.
The brothers’ resentencing hearing had previously been scheduled for December, but was repeatedly postponed. Should it get postponed again, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has already stated that on June 13 they will have their final parole hearing and that he was leaning towards setting them free on parole regardless of what the Los Angeles County Superior Court decides.
Lyle and Eric Menendez have been in prison ever since they were charged with the 1989 execution of their parents in their Beverly Hills home, and then lying about it at least 16 times, according to Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
On Friday, NewsNation reports, Erik and Lyle Menendez’s attorney withdrew a motion to remove the Los Angeles County district attorney and DA’s Office from the case involving their possible resentencing.
“The family does not want to go through this charade anymore with the DA,” defense attorney Mark Geragos said before Friday’s hearing. “What’s obvious to anyone, I think, who has a couple of synapses that are still firing is this is a DA who made up his mind and did no hard work in terms of his position.”
The Menendez brothers, who were 18 and 21 when they murdered their parents, were given a risk assessment to determine if the brothers are fit to re-enter society. The results of the Compliance Risk Assessment revealed Lyle broke prison rules last year for being in possession of a phone, while Erik also broke prison rules by being in possession of a phone and communicating with someone outside of the prison, by purchasing and trading drugs, and by conducting tax fraud.
Family members, fellow prisoners, and correctional officials are all expected to testify during the resentencing hearing next week.