Menendez Brothers’ Case Update: New Date Set for Trial, Resentencing and More 

Lyle and Erik Menendez are back in the news. The brothers, who have been serving life sentences without parole for the 1989 murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, are facing new developments in their case.

After over 30 years behind bars, the brothers might actually have a shot at freedom. Yes, you read that right. What’s sparked this latest attention? A combination of new evidence, fresh support from public figures, and some seriously dramatic court updates.

And let’s not forget about the Netflix documentary and that explosive Peacock special, Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, which brought up fresh allegations and gave everyone a new reason to talk about the case.

So, what’s next for these two? Well, a new resentencing hearing has been set. Plus, there’s the possibility of a retrial—or maybe even clemency. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the latest updates in the Menendez brothers’ case.

Menendez Resentencing Delayed to January 30 for Review

Yes, the Menendez brothers’ case is officially being reopened, and it’s causing quite the stir. In late October 2024, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic set a new resentencing hearing date for December 11 (via CNN).

However, Los Angeles Judge Michael Jesic announced at Monday’s hearing that the resentencing is now pushed to January 30. He said the delay is to give the new district attorney more time to review the case.

George Gascón was voted out as LA District Attorney this month, with Nathan Hochman taking over next week. Gascón had recommended resentencing for the Menendez brothers, possibly freeing them after nearly 30 years.

In October, Gascón suggested that the Menendez brothers should get a new sentence. He supported changing their sentence to life in prison with the chance for parole. Normally, that would mean they would stay in prison for 50 years or more.

But since the brothers were both under 26 when they committed the crime, California law says they could be eligible for parole sooner, because of their age at the time.

New evidence came to light, causing people to take a second look at the case. The most shocking development? Allegations that their father, José Menendez, had s*xually abused the brothers for years before they killed him and their mother.

Gascón has been one of the loudest voices supporting the brothers’ release. He said in a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office:

I strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving sentences of life without possibility of parole. They have respectively served 34 years and have continued their educations and worked to create new programs to support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates.

According to Gascón, the brothers have earned a second chance. So, will this evidence and support result in their release? It’s still up in the air, but the January 30, 2025 hearing is a crucial step in deciding their future.

Could the Menendez Brothers Get a Retrial?

Now, let’s talk about the possibility of a retrial. Right now, it’s not clear if Lyle and Erik Menendez will face a full retrial. However, what is clear is that the case is being reviewed from top to bottom by Nathan Hochman.

The newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney officially took office today (December 2, 2024) and is in the process of reviewing everything about the case. Hochman told CNN:

I will have to review the confidential prison files for each brother, the transcripts from both trials, and speak to the prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel, and the victims’ family members. Only then can I make a decision. If for some reason I need additional time, I will ask the court for that time.

The big question here is whether new evidence, like the abuse allegations, could change how the case is viewed. The Menendez brothers’ defense team argued at their original trial that they killed their parents because of the years of abuse they suffered. But if the abuse claims are now being taken more seriously, it could make a huge difference in how the case is decided.

There’s no clear answer yet, and Hochman has made it clear that he will take his time with the case. He wants to be thorough and ensure that everyone—whether they support the brothers or not—gets a fair shake in this process.