The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice

By: Hidden Killers Podcast
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  • Summary

  • Delve deep into one of America's most controversial and captivating criminal cases with "The Menendez Brothers: Quest for Justice." This podcast explores the complex story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were thrust into the national spotlight after the tragic 1989 deaths of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Join us as we unravel the intricate layers of family dynamics, alleged abuse, and the legal battles that have spanned decades. Through exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and a thorough examination of court transcripts and new evidence, we seek to shed light on unanswered questions and overlooked details that could redefine the brothers' fight for freedom. Was justice truly served, or is there more to the story than meets the eye? Whether you're familiar with the case or discovering it for the first time, our podcast invites you to re-examine the facts, challenge your perceptions, and engage in a deeper conversation about justice, accountability, and the pursuit of truth.
    Real Story Media
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Politics & Government True Crime
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Episodes
  • Governor Defers Clemency Decision as New DA Prepares Case Review

    Governor Defers Clemency Decision as New DA Prepares Case Review
    Nov 20 2024
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the latest developments in the Menendez brothers’ case, as Governor Gavin Newsom defers his decision on clemency until the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, completes a comprehensive review. The case, which has captivated the nation for decades, is reignited by new evidence, shifting public sentiment, and a Netflix series spotlighting the brothers’ tragic story.

    From allegations of abuse to debates over justice and accountability, Tony explores the complex dynamics at play. How will the incoming DA’s approach differ from his predecessor’s? And what does it mean for Lyle and Erik Menendez, still serving life sentences more than thirty years after the infamous murders?

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    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    11 mins
  • Incoming Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman Warns Against Misinformation in Menendez Brothers Case

    Incoming Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman Warns Against Misinformation in Menendez Brothers Case
    Nov 19 2024
    Nathan Hochman, the incoming Los Angeles District Attorney, is preparing to take on the complex case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, whose 1989 conviction for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in Beverly Hills has reignited public interest. This surge in attention has been fueled by Netflix’s dramatized series *Monsters* and its accompanying documentary, featuring the brothers speaking from prison. However, Hochman has cautioned that public perception, influenced by these dramatizations and celebrity advocacy, may not be grounded in the complete legal facts. Hochman, who will be sworn in on Dec. 2, told the Daily Beast that he has purposely avoided watching the Netflix portrayals. “I purposely just didn’t want to see [them] because what’s the point?” Hochman said. “It’s not like I’m going to watch the movie. I’d rather read the book.” He emphasized his intent to approach the case with a fresh and unbiased perspective, stating, “I have some vague recollections of the case 30 years ago, and that’s all the more reason why I feel compelled to… really get deep into the facts, because, you know, newspaper accounts are wildly inaccurate often on what the true facts of a case look like.” The Menendez brothers’ case has drawn high-profile support, including from Kim Kardashian, who, along with actor Cooper Koch, visited the brothers in prison. Kardashian later penned an essay advocating for their release. Hochman remains cautious about the influence of celebrity endorsements, stressing that such figures often lack an understanding of the intricate legal elements involved. One of outgoing DA George Gascón’s final actions was to request the brothers’ sentences be reduced to 50 years with the possibility of parole, which would make them eligible for release. The judge has scheduled a resentencing hearing for Dec. 11, meaning the case will be one of Hochman’s first responsibilities upon assuming office. “This [case] is a high priority,” Hochman asserted. “Any time a particular case gets this level of attention, it’s even that more important to get it right.” The Menendez brothers, now 56 and 53, argue they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse from their father. Their habeas corpus petition, filed in May 2023, claims that key evidence was excluded from their original trial. They point to a letter from 1988 as proof of their fear and cite an accusation from a former member of the boy band Menudo, who alleged sexual abuse by Jose Menendez. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Ryan will consider the petition at a hearing on Nov. 26. If resentenced, a parole hearing would be needed, and the decision would ultimately rest with California’s parole board, whose members are appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Alternatively, the brothers have petitioned Newsom for clemency. Observers are divided on whether Newsom, who has political ambitions, would be willing to grant such a high-profile request. Hochman is committed to an exhaustive review of the case. “This is a perfect example where people have reached conclusions based on a very limited review of the facts and pretty much no knowledge of most of the law,” he stated. Having grown up near the Menendez family’s former home and witnessed the trials as a young prosecutor, Hochman understands the case’s gravity. “You want to get this one right,” he said, adding that he plans to balance his prosecutorial experience with a fair assessment of the defense’s arguments. As public interest continues to grow, Hochman’s approach to the case will be closely scrutinized. “What matters are the facts. What matters is justice and fairness,” Newsom has also remarked about the case, emphasizing that celebrity status should neither harm nor help the Menendez brothers. Despite widespread speculation, Hochman is committed to basing any decisions on a thorough understanding of both the facts and the law, ensuring that justice is served appropriately. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    12 mins
  • Hochman’s Victory Leaves Menendez Resentencing in Doubt

    Hochman’s Victory Leaves Menendez Resentencing in Doubt
    Nov 8 2024
    The recent election loss of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to Nathan Hochman has raised uncertainty about the fate of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are seeking resentencing nearly 30 years after their murder convictions. Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, emphasized he needs time to review the case thoroughly before deciding on the resentencing recommendation that could lead to the brothers’ release. “I will have to review the confidential prison files for each brother, the transcripts from both trials, and speak to the prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel, and the victims’ family members. Only then can I make a decision,” Hochman said. He added that if more time is required, he will ask the court for an extension. Hochman takes office on December 2, and the resentencing hearing is scheduled for December 11. Legal experts believe the motion to resentence the Menendez brothers has significant momentum and could be difficult to stop. USC Gould School of Law professor Aya Gruber noted, “Unless there’s some contingency that immediately bubbles up and says, ‘You know, this is horrible. This is a miscarriage of justice,’ I can’t imagine that this is going to be a priority for the new DA.” Gascón filed the resentencing motion in October after defense attorneys presented evidence in 2023 alleging years of abuse by Jose Menendez, arguing that this history had not been adequately considered during the original trials. The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 for the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Loyola Marymount University law professor Laurie Levenson explained that the Menendez brothers’ legal strategy hinges on the court’s decision regarding the resentencing. “Their best door for getting relief is the motion to reduce the sentence, and they might be able to get the court to do that,” Levenson said. She added, “I think that you’re not going to see Hochman having a press conference about the Menendez case. He can just quietly let the court decide.” The brothers’ first trial, televised and closely followed, ended in a mistrial when jurors were unable to reach a verdict. During the second trial, crucial evidence about the alleged abuse was excluded, leading to their conviction and life sentences without parole. The case has recently gained renewed interest following Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and a documentary featuring interviews with both brothers. Critics of Gascón’s progressive policies, which included reducing incarceration and avoiding prosecution for certain nonviolent offenses, argued his approach compromised public safety. Hochman campaigned on these concerns, which contributed to his electoral victory. Despite this, Gruber said it is improbable that Hochman would make overturning Gascón’s resentencing recommendation a priority unless compelling new evidence surfaces. Gascón has also supported the Menendez brothers’ clemency bid to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who could grant their release immediately. Newsom’s office has declined to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality around clemency requests. CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson emphasized the weight of the DA’s opinion, even though it is ultimately up to the court and parole board. “It would be naive to suggest that a DA’s recommendation – and it’s a recommendation – is not otherwise really significant in terms of influencing a judge’s decision … But I do think public opinion is very much favoring the release of the Menendez brothers,” Jackson said. The next steps in the case, including the December 11 hearing and potential clemency, will be pivotal. Gascón believes the brothers have paid their debt to society and should be given a chance at parole if deemed rehabilitated. As Hochman prepares to assume his role, the outcome of this high-profile case remains uncertain. #MenendezBrothers #LosAngelesDA #NathanHochman #GeorgeGascón #TrueCrime #Resentencing #NetflixSeries Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    12 mins

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