Menendez brothers' resentencing delayed

A resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, was postponed Thursday after a dispute over a risk assessment document.

The brothers are seeking a change in their sentences to allow for possible parole.

The hearing, originally scheduled for Thursday, descended into a legal squabble over the document, which was prepared by the parole board at the request of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom is considering a clemency request from the Menendez brothers.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who opposes the resentencing, stated his office needed additional time to review the report. In response, the brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos, accused Hochman of attempting to delay the process and demanded that Hochman be removed from the case.

“We are filing a motion to recuse the district attorney,” Geragos told reporters. “The family does not want to go through this charade anymore with the DA… who made up his mind and did no hard work in terms of his position.”

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic ruled that a new hearing will be held on May 9 to determine whether the risk assessment report is relevant to the resentencing request. Newsom’s office has indicated that the full report will not be available until June.

The case stems from the infamous 1990s trial in which the Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Prosecutors argued that the brothers killed their parents in a plot to inherit the family fortune, while the brothers claimed they acted in self-defense after enduring years of emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.

Erik, 54, and Lyle, 57, were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Supporters argue that the brothers have reformed while in prison and deserve a second chance. However, Hochman contends that the Menendez brothers continue to deny full responsibility for their actions, making them ineligible for parole.

The ongoing legal battle surrounding their resentencing has drawn significant public attention, particularly after Netflix released "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" last year, reviving interest in their case.