LOS ANGELES (AP) — The new Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, recently met with relatives of the Menendez brothers as he continues his review of their ongoing bid for freedom, 35 years after their conviction for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

During the meeting, which lasted approximately three hours, Hochman described the interaction as “productive”, allowing family members to express their views on the potential release of Lyle and Erik Menendez. Convicted in 1989, the brothers are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. However, their legal team has initiated new proceedings, having filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023, which seeks to reopen the case based on fresh evidence of sexual abuse suffered during their childhood.

The meeting comes at a pivotal time, as the brothers and their family assert that, given today’s greater awareness of the implications of sexual trauma, a fair trial might have led to a different verdict. “In today’s world — which is more aware of the impact of sexual abuse — the brothers would not have been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life,” some family members have indicated.

In October, former District Attorney George Gascon had recommended resentencing the brothers to 50 years to life, making them eligible for *immediate* parole consideration. Hochman, who succeeded Gascon, referred to this move as a “desperate political move.” Commenting on this, he stated, “By releasing it now, Gascon has cast a cloud over the fairness and impartiality of his decision.”

A judge recently postponed the brothers’ resentencing hearing from early December to the end of January 2024, allowing more time for Hochman to review evidence regarding the rehabilitation of the Menendez brothers since their incarceration. Hochman has been sifting through thousands of pages from prison records and was keen to evaluate aspects of their possible rehabilitation, which can play a crucial role in determining their future.

The original defense during their trial claimed that the brothers acted out of self-defense following years of enduring abuse from their father. In contrast, prosecutors argued that the motivation for the killings was financial. Over the years, the brothers attempted multiple appeals against their convictions, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

The Menendez brothers are currently incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, with their family continuing to advocate for their freedom as they await the upcoming judicial proceedings. For further details, you can refer to the original articles from AP News, ABC News, and HuffPost.