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The Menendez brothers have got an army of supporters on their side! Family members of the incarcerated brothers have organized another rally to show support and solidarity for their freedom. The event reflects a continuation of the sentiments voiced in earlier gatherings. It also provides another channel to review the efforts of L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Family representatives for the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition camped outside Hochman’s office in Downtown L.A.
According to a press release, the group wants to address Hochman’s “relentless” fixation on the past. His unwillingness to look ahead allegedly prompts him to continue dismissing Erik and Lyle’s progress.ย More supporters also gathered on the street near the area to support the brothers. They were spotted parading signs and wearing shirts calling for justice for Erik and Lyle. Per TMZ, one supporter showed a picture of Hochman with “you’re the liar” written across his face.ย
The Menendez Brothers’ Family Vowed To Continue Pressing for Their Release
The family of the Menendez brothers accused Hochman of having a “personal bias” against their release bid. Tamara Goodell, the brothers’ cousin, claimed Hochman dismissed and trivialized their presence. She questioned why Hochman seems to personalize the case, emphasizing that a district attorney should be fair and impartial. Anamaria Baralt, Erik and Lyle’s cousin, also insisted they would continue fighting for their family.ย
She insisted Hochman cannot overlook the brothers’ rehabilitation and the abuse they endured. She also praised Erik and Lyle’s appearance on the 2 Angry Men podcast. Anamaria revealed the family learned about their podcast appearance just before Governor Gavin Newsom decided to review their case.ย David Amaya, a former inmate, also spoke on behalf of the brothers and their positive contributions while in prison.ย
Advocate Michael Mendoza, who met one of the brothers in prison, shared how they helped him change his life. The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition expressed continued support for the brothers. They slammed Hochman for allegedly trying to ignore victims of sexual abuse. The brothers are still serving life sentences without parole in a San Diego prison for their parents’ murders.
L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman Identified a Few Grey Areas in the Menendez Brothers’ First Trial
We previously reported that Hochman was skeptical about granting freedom to the Menendez brothers. He had expressed his intention to withdraw the resentencing motion previously filed by the former D.A.’s office. Hochman argued that the severity of their crimes and the murky details surrounding them warrant their continued imprisonment. Instead of supporting their resentencing, Hochman suggests the brothers should be considered for parole.
Hochman pointed to numerous lies by Erik and Lyle as reasons to deny their resentencing request. He emphasized that the jury rejected any claim of self-defense during their second trial. He overlooked that in the first trial, half the jury favored manslaughter due to “imperfect self-defense.” During the second trial, the judge dismissed “imperfect self-defense,” leaving the jury without that crucial guideline.
Despite the resentencing motion, their fate may remain unchanged, and they may go to the parole board if approved. Governor Newsom has requested the California Board of Parole Hearings to assess the Menendez brothers’ potential threat to society. The board’s findings will then be reported to the Governor, who will decide on their release.
The Menendez are not alone in their struggle!
