What Menendez’s brothers’ new trial means – NBC Los Angeles

Menendez brothersA request to challenge the validity of the murder convictions is expected to be heard in a Van Nuys courtroom Monday morning.

Erik and Lyle Menendez are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents in Beverly Hills and have asked in a separate legal action to have their sentences commuted.

Monday’s hearing will consider the brothers’ 2023 petition for writ of habeas corpus, which argues that their convictions and sentences are unconstitutional in light of newly revealed evidence that the brothers were sexually abused by their parents in childhood. his father is Jose Menendez.

The habeas petition filed by the brothers states that testimony about the alleged abuse was unjustly prevented at the second trial in which they were found guilty and sentenced.

It is unclear whether the brothers, now both in their 50s, will attend the hearing at the Van Nuys Courthouse in person or remotely. San Diego prison.

Members of the public are welcome to attend Monday’s hearing, although there is limited seating.

Los Angeles County Superior Court will hold a public lottery for 16 public seats at the Van Nuys West Courthouse on Monday from 9 to 9:30 a.m., after lottery tickets are distributed between 8 and 9 a.m.

Here’s what you need to know to participate in the raffle.

• Winning tickets are not transferable.
• Lottery winners must be on time when the hearing begins at 10:30.
• Photography, video or recording is not permitted in the courtroom.
• Mobile phones should be turned off and put aside.
• Eating, drinking and chewing gum will not be allowed

A separate hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11 but may be postponed to address the brothers’ request for a life sentence with the possibility of parole; This, if accepted, would make them eligible for an immediate parole hearing and possible release.

Outgoing L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón announced last month that he supported the resentencing request, but prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who takes office on December 2, said he told NBCLA He will need time to review the case before deciding how to proceed.

Other officials familiar with the proceedings said a retrial hearing was likely to occur delayed.