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Menendez brothers resentencing date pushed back again

Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing their parents in 1989, will continue to wait for their day in court after their resentencing hearing was pushed back for the second time.

The Menendez brothers were slated to appear in Los Angeles Superior Court beginning Jan. 30, but their hearing has now been rescheduled to March 20-21 due to recent wildfires that have devastated the greater Los Angeles area.

The decision to reschedule was made in agreement with the prosecutors and the defense team due to the impact the fires would have on the “extensive preparations” needed for the hearing, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

Their previous resentencing hearing was originally scheduled for Dec. 11, but was moved to January before being rescheduled for the second time on Friday.

This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP)
This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP)

Erik and Lyle have spent nearly 35 years in prison for killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in one of the most high-profile American crime cases of the 20th Century.

On Aug. 20, 1989, the brothers brutally murdered their parents with a shotgun inside their Beverly Hills home.

In the months that followed, the brothers went on lavish shopping sprees, spending hundreds of thousands on cars, watches, sporting events, restaurants, and international and domestic trips. Lyle even famously purchased a New Jersey restaurant.

They were eventually arrested in March 1990 after Erik confessed to his therapist about the killings.

While their guilt has not been in question since their convictions, the brothers have long maintained that they were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, claims that were not allowed to be presented during the trial that ultimately resulted in them being convicted.

FILE - Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
FILE – Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

Since then, public opinion has shifted and new, credible allegations have come to light regarding the accusations made against Jose Menendez.

In October, District Attorney George Gascón announced he supported resentencing for the brothers or clemency from the state should California Gov. Gavin Newsom issue it.

But their future has been up in the air after Gascón lost decidedly to Hochman in the November General Election.

Hochman has been less direct about his feelings regarding their convictions, despite a groundswell of public support and outspoken family members who want to see the brothers released from prison. The new D.A. met with a coalition of family members who supported their release earlier this month.

Erik and Lyle Menendez will learn more about their future when they appear, virtually, for their resentencing hearing in March.

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