Demonstrators and family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez rallied outside the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday morning.
The rally was in support of the brothers’ resentencing, as well as criticizing District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s opposition to the resentencing.
The Menendez brothers were convicted in the 1989 murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty. The brothers claimed self-defense and that their father had abused them.
In October 2024, DailyMail.com published a letter written by Erik to his cousin, Andy Cano, months before the murders, detailing the abuse he’d received from his father.
Last week, Hochman voiced his opposition after announcing that his office would proceed with a resentencing motion for the Menendez brothers.
"If they were to finally come forward and unequivocally and sincerely admit and completely accept responsibility for their lies of self-defense and the attempted suborning of perjury they engaged in, then the Court should weigh such new insight into the analysis of rehabilitation and resentencing -- as will the people,” Hochman said at the press conference.
During the rally, a protester had a message for Hochman .
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“Do not ignore the new evidence,” he said. “ Do not ignore what the family is desiring. Do not ignore what advocates are pleading for. We're not just pleading for a second chance for two individuals, we're pleading for a second chance for those who are being extremely punished without an opportunity to come home.
A relative of the brothers also spoke during the rally, adding that they would not stop fighting for the boys.
“I have watched them grow into men, and I have seen the work that they have done behind bars, and I am telling you right now, there is no justice in keeping them there,” she said. “So let me say this loud and clear. We are not asking for sympathy. We are demanding fairness.”
The brothers’ resentencing hearing is scheduled for April 11.
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