Menendez brothers: Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman to give update on case

The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, are back in the spotlight as they seek to reduce their life sentences for the infamous 1989 murder of their parents, Mary “Kitty” Menendez and Jose Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents with shotguns, have exhausted all appeals and had little hope of freedom—until a new California law opened the door to resentencing hearings. This legal development has reignited debate over their case, with the brothers hoping that any reduction in their sentences could make them eligible for parole. The resentencing hearing, initially scheduled after the November 2023 Los Angeles district attorney election, has been rescheduled for March 20 and 21, 2024. As the case unfolds, the brothers have spoken publicly about their experiences in prison, including allegations of bullying and trauma, in a rare podcast interview.

The Menendez brothers’ case has always been marked by controversy, with the pair claiming self-defense and alleging that their father, Jose, was abusive and had threatened to kill them after they threatened to expose him as a child sex abuser. While their defense was ultimately rejected by the jury, the brothers have maintained their version of events. Over the years, roughly two dozen relatives have come forward in support of their freedom, including Kitty’s sister, Joan Andersen VanderMolen, who is now 92 years old. However, not all family members share this view. Milton Andersen, Joan’s brother and a vocal opponent of the brothers’ release, passed away on March 3, 2024, at the age of 90—just weeks before the brothers were expected to appear in court. Andersen had long maintained that the brothers fabricated the allegations of abuse and believed the original verdict and life sentences were justified.

Milton Andersen, a decorated military veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division and retired as a 1st sergeant after 26 years of service, was deeply committed to justice for his sister, Kitty. His attorney, RJ Dreiling, described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who never wavered in his opposition to the brothers’ release. Andersen’s unwavering stance was rooted in his love for Kitty, whom he had helped raise after their father abandoned the family when they were young. According to Dreiling, Andersen found comfort in Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s willingness to meet with him and listen to his concerns, even in his final days. Hochman, who took office after defeating former District Attorney George Gascon in November 2023, has approached the case with a balance of legal expertise and compassion, a fact that Andersen deeply appreciated.

The divide within the Menendez family has been a central theme in this case, with some relatives advocating for clemency and others, like Milton Andersen, firmly opposing it. Joan VanderMolen and other pro-clemency family members met with former District Attorney George Gascon in an effort to push for the brothers’ freedom, but Gascon never met with Andersen. Gascon had initially championed the idea of sentence reductions, but his re-election loss to Hochman in November 2023 shifted the dynamics of the case. Hochman has since met with both sides of the family, signaling a more neutral approach to the proceedings. The brothers’ supporters argue that their sentences should be reconsidered in light of new evidence and their behavior during their decades in prison, while opponents like Andersen’s attorney, Kathleen Cady, have consistently doubts about the validity of their abuse claims.

Milton Andersen’s passing has removed a vocal opponent of the brothers’ release, but his legacy in the case remains significant. His attorney, RJ Dreiling, emphasized that Andersen always believed the brothers’ abuse claims were fabricated and that justice had been served with the original guilty verdict and life sentences. Andersen’s unwavering stance was not only a reflection of his love for Kitty but also his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that the brothers remained accountable for their crimes. His death has left a void in the case, but his views continue to carry weight, particularly as the court prepares to hear arguments for resentencing.

As the March 20 and 21 resentencing hearings approach, the Menendez brothers’ fate hangs in the balance. The new California law has provided them with a rare opportunity to challenge their life sentences, but the outcome remains far from certain. The case continues to polarize public opinion, with some advocating for mercy based on the brothers’ claims of trauma and abuse, while others argue that their crimes were heinous and deserving of the maximum punishment. With the legal and family dynamics shifting, the Menendez brothers’ case remains a gripping and emotional saga that raises questions about justice, forgiveness, and the complexities of the human condition.