Despite the prosecution’s efforts, the Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing has been scheduled.
On Friday, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic set the hearing for next Tuesday and Wednesday, according to WXOW.
The brothers’ attorney, Mark Geragos, plans to highlight the positive changes they have made while incarcerated to show that his clients are changed men. WXOW reported that the brothers have pursued education, taken numerous self-help classes, and initiated support groups for inmates. Geragos also intends to showcase the support they have from family members who believe they deserve to be free.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposes the resentencing, arguing that the brothers have not changed and have failed to take responsibility for their actions. Hochman’s opposition is based on preliminary results of a risk assessment conducted by a forensic psychologist, their lack of admission to lies they told during the trial, and their violations of jail rules by smuggling in cell phones, according to WXOW.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, during Hochman’s argument against resentencing, he stated, “They do not meet the standards for rehabilitation. They have not exhibited full insight or accepted complete responsibility for their actions,” as reported by USA Today.
Erik and Lyle Menendez are incarcerated for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, when they were 18 and 21 years old. The brothers purchased two shotguns with cash and used them to kill their parents at their Beverly Hills home. Investigators initially suspected the mafia was behind the slayings. However, a breakthrough occurred in 1990 when Erik Menendez confessed to a therapist.
Evidence of their father’s molestation of Erik and Lyle was presented during their first trial, which ended in a hung jury. These details were less prominent during the second trial, resulting in their convictions in 1996.
If resentenced, the brothers would become immediately eligible for parole, and based on the parole ruling, they could possibly be released,
[Feature Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP)]
