The family of Erik and Lyle Menendez held a press conference on Thursday to discuss recent developments in the brothers’ case. They reacted positively to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to order the state parole board to conduct a “comprehensive risk assessment” to determine whether the brothers could pose an “unreasonable risk to the public” if released from prison.
Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of the Menendez brothers, called Newsom’s action “a positive step forward” for their release. She expressed gratitude that Newsom is paying attention to the case and acknowledged the brothers’ rehabilitation over the years, something the family has witnessed firsthand since their incarceration.
The Governor’s office emphasized that public safety is the primary consideration in evaluating clemency petitions. The office highlighted factors such as the applicant’s risk level, their conduct since the offense, and their progress in rehabilitation programs. Newsom’s office assured that the findings from the parole board’s risk assessment would be made available to the court and District Attorney.
Legal expert Josh Ritter believes the most promising chance for the Menendez brothers’ freedom lies in Newsom’s decision, especially following Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s opposition to a new trial. The Menendez family, including cousin Tamara Goodell, criticized Hochman’s stance, calling it a continuation of the narrative from 1989.
Hochman, in a statement, noted that Newsom has the constitutional power to act on clemency petitions and emphasized the thorough review process his office has undertaken, including examining thousands of pages of trial transcripts and speaking with involved parties.
Ritter cautioned that while there is momentum, the Menendez family’s efforts to keep the case in the public eye might be their only real opportunity. Newsom, however, acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating in his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” that the clemency review process aims to provide transparency and thoroughness before making a decision.
Geragos, the defense attorney for the Menendez brothers, expressed hope and gratitude regarding Newsom’s request for a risk assessment, stressing that this is an essential first step toward a fair decision.
The risk assessment investigation is set to take 90 days. If Newsom supports the release after the review, the case will proceed to the parole board, which will have up to six months to decide. Meanwhile, the brothers continue to pursue other legal routes for freedom, including a habeas corpus petition filed in 2023, which presents new evidence of the brothers’ alleged abuse.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón had previously supported the brothers’ resentencing, recommending a reduction in their sentences, but after losing his reelection bid, the case now rests with the new district attorney, Nathan Hochman, who has yet to take a position on resentencing.
The Menendez brothers’ case dates back to 1989 when they shot and killed their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. The defense argued self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father, while prosecutors claimed the brothers killed for financial gain. After two trials, they were convicted in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
