The parole applications of murderers Lyle and Eric Menendez are in doubt now that the prosecutor who recommended their release has been fired.
Ultra-liberal Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has touted his recommendation to free a highly publicized parricide as a way to garner support ahead of this week's failed bid to stay in office. He was accused of using the information.
He was ousted and will step down at the end of this month, leaving the case to be taken over by the next prosecutor, Nathan Hochman.
Gascón is now asking a judge to commute his murder conviction to manslaughter, which could make him immediately eligible for parole.
Brian Friedman, an attorney for 24 relatives of Kitty and Jose Menendez, told the Post: [them to be released by Christmas.] I'm an optimistic person. In fact, I hope they come home for Thanksgiving. ”
The brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose. The first conviction ended in a miscarriage of justice, and the second trial rejected the brothers' claims that their father sexually abused them. be included as evidence.
Friedman noted that the new prosecutor is “not opposed to their release.”
But Hochman told the Post that he would reconsider his predecessor's ruling, but that it would take time to reach his own conclusions. “I will have to sift through thousands of pages of confidential prison files and thousands of pages of court records,” Hochman said.
“I am not in a position today to discuss how I will ultimately answer any aspect of the Menendez case.”
Despite this, Friedman remains confident that his desired results will be achieved.
He points to the fact that the brothers have a second chance of being released through a habeas corpus petition filed last year (asking the court to review the original conviction), which It could provide a new path to conviction or release for those who have committed crimes.
“Nathan Hockman is a really smart guy,” Friedman said. “I believe he is doing justice. I don’t think this is about smashes and grabs.
“I don't think this is about letting crimes happen in our society. Coach Hochman would think he's doing the right thing to release them as soon as possible, rather than Gascón.”
Citing his enlightening views on the sexual abuse of boys, he said: “I think Nathan Hockman has a real heart and a real soul. I'm sure it will go down.”
Even if everything falls apart for the Menendez brothers in terms of a new DA paving the way for life on the outside, Friedman still believes things will work out.
Either way, he believes California Governor Newsom could step in with “some kind of commutation, pardon or some type of reprieve.”
It may happen sooner or later. “My family and I are hopeful that Gavin Newsom will step in and do the right thing.”
When it comes to high-profile murder cases, Newsom denied parole three times to notorious Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, but he acquiesced last year and was released on parole.
Friedman said he hopes the Menendez brothers, who have been exemplary prisoners throughout their incarceration, will be back on the streets by the end of the year.
“If we live in a society where the right things happen, my prediction is 100 percent, whether it's the governor or the DA's office, they will be released as soon as possible,” he said.
