Menendez Family Responds to LA District Attorney’s Opposition to Brothers’ New Trial

LOS ANGELES—Relatives of Erik and Lyle Menendez addressed the media on Thursday, expressing discontent over the Los Angeles district attorney’s recent stance against a retrial for the siblings, who have been incarcerated for nearly three decades following the murder of their parents in 1989.

The Menendez cousins commended California Governor Gavin Newsom for his prior decision to direct the state parole board to assess whether the brothers would pose a threat to the public if released—a preliminary move that could lead to the governor’s eventual decision on clemency.

At the time of the murders, Erik and Lyle were ages 18 and 21, respectively. They were convicted for the deaths of their mother, Kitty Menendez, and their father, entertainment executive Jose Menendez, and received life sentences without the possibility of parole. In recent years, they have sought freedom, supported by their attorneys who argue that new evidence regarding their father’s sexual abuse has come to light, alongside backing from much of their extended family.

During a comprehensive press conference last week, District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed skepticism over the new allegations of sexual abuse and deemed the brothers’ own testimony regarding this matter unreliable, citing inconsistencies in their explanations for the murders.

Anamarie Baralt, the niece of Jose Menendez, described Hochman’s ruling as “especially hurtful” to the family, particularly after they had previously met with his office to share their experiences.

“It fails to acknowledge the progress we have made in understanding the long-term impacts of abuse and the systemic issues that keep victims silent,” Baralt remarked. “Expecting victims to disclose their abuse immediately dismisses the complexities of trauma.”

Baralt mentioned that their interactions with the current administration differ greatly from those with the previous district attorney, George Gascón, raising concerns about whether Hochman’s decision reflects an updated understanding of trauma.

“Is he applying the current laws with a modern, trauma-informed perspective, or is he relying on outdated, harmful beliefs that have been rejected?” Baralt questioned.

Tamara Goodell, a second cousin to Erik and Lyle Menendez, also voiced disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment for the brothers’ accomplishments while in prison.

She noted how the brothers, now in their 50s, have “established careers for themselves” during their incarceration, highlighting numerous peer support initiatives and programs they launched within the prison system.

Notably, Erik Menendez has developed an Alternatives to Violence project, which includes workshops focused on nonviolent conflict resolution, a support group for elderly and disabled inmates, and a 12-step meditation class.

Meanwhile, Lyle Menendez initiated the Green Space project, aimed at beautifying prison environments through murals and landscaping, representing a pioneering effort where prison authorities entrusted an inmate with leading such a redesign, as Baralt noted. He also initiated a mentoring program for youths serving life sentences without the possibility of parole and created a bulletin to enhance communication in the prison community.

The hearing to consider the proposed resentencing of the brothers is scheduled for March, which would enable their immediate eligibility for parole. Hochman indicated that he would provide an update on his position in the upcoming weeks, assuring that his decision will factor in the brothers’ rehabilitation progress during their incarceration.