The resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers, convicted of the 1989 murder of their parents, has been delayed again due to the impact of catastrophic wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County.
Originally set for January 30-31, the resentencing hearing was postponed until March due to California wildfires, which have impacted "extensive preparations for the hearings," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. The hearing was previously postponed from November.
Erik and Lyle Menendez have been serving life sentences without parole since 1996 for fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Mary Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home.
The brothers claimed they acted in self-defense after years of alleged sexual abuse by their father, a former RCA Records executive.
Their initial trial ended in a mistrial, but they were convicted after a second trial, which excluded some abuse-related evidence.
Public interest in their case reignited following documentaries and new allegations against Jose Menendez.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who replaced a predecessor open to leniency, is conducting a thorough review of the brothers' case before taking a stance.
The brothers' legal team argues new evidence, including allegations by Puerto Rican former pop star Roy Rosello and a letter written by Erik Menendez, supports their claims of abuse.
The March 20-21 hearing will be a pivotal moment as the court considers whether the Menendez brothers should receive leniency under California laws that account for mitigating factors like abuse.
Originally published by Latin Times
