On Monday, a judge pushed the Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing to January 2025.
KNX News’ Emily Valdez reported that the judge moved the next hearing to January 30th and January 31st, 2025. He said he had 17 boxes worth of evidence to look through and didn’t have time to look at it before the next hearing, which was scheduled for December 11.
The judge also cited incoming District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s swearing-in, which would occur just days before the December hearing, as another reason for the postponement.
Erik and Lyle Mendez appeared in court via an audio link. They were supposed to use a webcam but there were technical issues.
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Joan Vandermolen, the older sister of Kitty Menendez, gave a testimony in which she said everybody in the family - except for her brother Milton – wants the brothers released.
Terry Menendez-Baralt, the older sister of Jose Menendez, also called for brothers to be released, noting that 35 years is enough time.
Incoming D.A. Hochman released the following statement regarding the judge’s decision:
"Judge Jesic’s decision to continue the hearing on the resentencing motion to January 30-31 will provide me with sufficient time to review the extensive prison records, transcripts of two lengthy trials and voluminous exhibits, as well as consult with prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel and victim family members. I look forward to thoroughly reviewing all the facts and the law to reach a fair and just decision, and then defend it in court."
Erik and Lyle were convicted in 1996 for their parents’ 1989 murder. The two brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole and have been doing time at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa.
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