The parole bids of murderers Lyle and Eric Menendez are now in question after the DA who recommended their release has been ousted.
Ultra-liberal Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has been accused of using his recommendation to free highly publicized parent-killers as a way to drum up support ahead of his failed bid to retain office this week. The allegation was made.
Since he was fired and left office at the end of the month, incoming DA Nathan Hochman will now take over the case.
It is currently with a judge, whom Gascón has asked to reduce his murder sentence to manslaughter, which if signed could make him immediately eligible for parole.
Brian Friedman, an attorney for Kitty and Jose Menendez’s 24 extended family members, told The Post: “I certainly pray (for them to be released by Christmas). I am an optimistic person. I really hope they’re home for Thanksgiving.
The brothers were sentenced to life without parole in 1996 for the double murder of parents Kitty and Jose in 1989. The initial attempt to convict him ended in a mistrial and his claims of being sexually abused by his father were not allowed in a second trial. Be included as evidence.
Friedman said the new DA “has not come out against him being released.”
However, Hochman told The Post that he would reconsider his predecessor’s decision but that it would take time to reach his conclusion. “I have to review thousands of pages of confidential prison files, thousands of pages of hearing transcripts,” Hochman said.
“I am in no position to tell you today how I will ultimately come out on any aspect of the Menendez case.”
Nevertheless, Friedman is confident that his desired result will be achieved.
He points to the fact that they have a second chance to be released through a habeas corpus petition filed last year – which asks the court to review the initial sentence, which could lead to another round of resentencing or release for the brothers. may Way.
“Nathan Hochman is really a talented guy,” Friedman said. “I believe he stands for justice. I don’t think it’s about smash and grab.
“I don’t think this is about allowing crime to happen in our society. Hochman will see it even more than Gascón in terms of doing the right thing, trying to get him released as soon as possible.
Citing enlightened views about the sexual abuse of boys, he said, “I think Nathan Hochman has a real heart and a real soul. I am confident that he will decide that he should be released.
Even though everything has fallen apart in terms of the new DA paving the way for the Menendez brothers to make a living on the outside, Friedman still has faith in things working out.
Somehow, he believes California Governor Newsom may be able to get involved with “some kind of clemency or clemency or some kind of exemption.”
It could happen sooner rather than later: “I hope, and so does the family, that Gavin Newsom will step up and do the right thing.”
When it comes to high-profile murder cases, Newsom was denied parole three times for notorious Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, but last year she was granted and freed on parole.
Friedman said he hopes the Menendez brothers, who have been model prisoners throughout their incarceration, will be back on the street before the end of the year.
“If we live in a society where the right things happen,” he said, “my prediction would be 100 percent, that he will be released as soon as possible, whether it’s by the governor or by the DA.”
(Tags to translate) US News (T) Eric Menendez (T) Lyle Menendez (T) Murders (T) Prison
