Menendez Brothers Case Heats Up as Sexual Abuse Evidence Emerges

It looks like the saga of the Menendez brothers isn’t over just yet! Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to ask for resentencing, and L.A. County D.A. Nathan Hochman is throwing a wrench into things by considering evidence of sexual abuse they allegedly suffered at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez. In a recent appearance on “TMZ Live,” Hochman reminded us that California law allows for judges to factor in psychological trauma—including abuse—when it comes to sentencing. But don’t start popping the champagne just yet; Hochman was clear that this “new” evidence won’t immediately challenge the brothers’ convictions for the 1989 murders of their parents. Instead, it just might help them get a little mercy in the form of a lighter sentence.

Now, this is a huge deal since if the brothers manage to score a resentencing to something less than life without parole, they could eventually wiggle their way into a parole hearing. Yup, that means they could be out of prison sooner than we think, and that has more than a few people raising an eyebrow. Hochman has expressed his intention to thoroughly review the evidence, and he’s keen to sift through Erik and Lyle’s recent appearances on the “2 Angry Men” podcast. Given the brothers’ charm and the media buzz surrounding their story, it’s only a matter of time before they sink their teeth into a new strategy that might play on the emotional strings of the public and the power players in the legal system.

Let’s not forget that the final decision will ultimately land on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, who would hold the ability to grant them a potential path to freedom. As the plot thickens, stay tuned, because this could get messy—and you know we love a good courtroom drama! For those interested, catch the full interview with Hochman on “TMZ Live” for a deeper dive into what’s brewing.

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and TMZ, People Magazine, ABC News