Context:

A Los Angeles court has scheduled a resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez, set to take place on May 13 and 14, to determine their eligibility for release after being imprisoned for over three decades for the murder of their parents. The brothers, who claim they acted in self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father, face opposition from current District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, who has a more punitive stance on their case. Previously, former District Attorney George Gascón sought a sentence that would allow for parole, citing the brothers' age at the time of the crime. Despite Hochman's efforts to withdraw Gascón's resentencing petition, Judge Michael V. Jesic has denied the motion, and the hearing will proceed with testimonies expected from family members, former inmates, and correctional officials supporting the brothers' rehabilitation. The case has maintained public interest through media portrayals and social media campaigns advocating for the consideration of the alleged abuse as a mitigating factor in their sentencing.

Dive Deeper:

• Lyle and Erik Menendez are facing a resentencing hearing in Los Angeles after being imprisoned since 1990 for murdering their parents in Beverly Hills, a crime that captivated the nation due to its shocking nature and the affluence of the community.

• The brothers claim they killed their parents out of fear for their lives, alleging sexual abuse by their father, Jose Menendez, with their mother, Kitty Menendez, complicit in her silence. This defense led to deadlocked juries and a mistrial in their initial trials.

• New media portrayals, including a Netflix series and documentary, have revived interest and legal possibilities in the case, alongside social media campaigns advocating for the brothers based on the abuse allegations.

• Former District Attorney George Gascón had proposed a resentencing that would make the brothers eligible for parole, but he was succeeded by Nathan J. Hochman, who opposes this due to the brothers' lack of remorse and continued self-defense claim.

• Judge Michael V. Jesic has denied Hochman's attempts to withdraw the resentencing petition, ensuring the hearing proceeds despite the adversarial nature of the proceedings, with support expected from those who believe the brothers have been rehabilitated.