L.A. DA does not support overturning Menendez brothers' murder convictions

Los Angeles' top prosecutor rejected a bid by Erik and Lyle Menendez to challenge their murder convictions, telling reporters Friday that evidence cited by the brothers did not meet the standards required for a judge to order a new trial.

Los Angeles' top prosecutor rejected a bid by Erik and Lyle Menendez to challenge their murder convictions, telling reporters Friday that evidence cited by the brothers did not meet the standards required for a judge to order a new trial.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors had filed a response Friday opposing a petition filed by the brothers in May 2023 that sought a new trial.

A letter that the brothers' lawyer has previously described as a critical piece of evidence in the petition — he said it confirms Erik’s account that his father was sexually molesting him in the months before the 1989 murders — did not appear credible, Hochman said.

The brothers have described the killings at their Beverly Hills home on the night of Aug. 20, 1989, as self-defense. They said they fatally shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, after Lyle confronted their father about his ongoing abuse of Erik and threatened to expose the entertainment company executive. 

Lyle has said his father responded with what he viewed as a threat.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/menendez-brothers-murder-nathan-hochman-new-trial-rcna180246

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