DA slams new evidence aiming to free the Menendez brothers, questioning abuse claims and the timing of key revelations.
The DA thinks a letter from Erik isn’t enough. Roy Rosello’s testimony isn’t sufficient either. Rosello claimed their father molested him, and Erik said he feared his “crazy” father in the letter.
Lyle and Erik want release from prison. They were convicted of murdering their parents. Lawyers argue their detention is unlawful, citing Erik’s letter and Rosello’s claims. The defense says the brothers feared for their lives.
DA Hochman disagrees with the defense and questions Erik’s letter, finding it odd it wasn’t presented earlier. He says abuse doesn’t justify murder and believes the original conviction was correct.
Supporters blasted the DA after the conference. Erik’s daughter hoped the judge makes the “right choice.” Lyle criticized a mistake about his lawyer’s name, and a justice group called it a “slap in the face.”
The Menendez case began in 1989. José and Kitty Menendez were found dead. Lyle was arrested in 1990, and Erik surrendered to police. Murder charges were filed in 1992.
The first trial ended with deadlocked juries, but the second trial led to convictions in 1996. Lyle and Erik got life without parole, and they were reunited in prison in 2018.
Their attorney filed a petition in 2023, following abuse claims by Roy Rosselló. A resentencing hearing is scheduled in March 2025, as the brothers were convicted of first-degree murder.
George Gascon wanted resentencing, but Hochman is now the DA. A podcast shared details about prison life, with Erik saying Lyle was assaulted. Erik also spoke of their father’s abuse.