Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman responded to a request for recusal in the resentencing case of convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez, denouncing it as a “drastic and desperate step.”
The response, filed by Hochman on Friday, contends that the Menendez brothers’ bid for a recusal is solely motivated by their dissatisfaction with the district attorney’s position on resentencing.
“The District Attorney’s Office has countered that the defense’s move to seek recusal is characterized as a ‘drastic and desperate step’ aimed at avoiding the core issue of resentencing and is ‘devoid of merit,’ ” Hochman stated. “The crux of the defense’s argument for recusal seems to stem from their displeasure with the current District Attorney’s stance on resentencing. While such a desperate tactic might be effective in the media, it lacks merit in a court of law governed by an adversarial justice system.”
Attorney Mark Geragos, who represents the Menendez brothers, wrote in an April 25 motion that Hochman should recuse himself because of a “conflict of interest.” In that filing, Geragos wrote that Hochman “has a very different view” on resentencing.
One family member, however, objected to the resentencing and filed an amicus brief in opposition through his attorney, Kathleen Cady.
When Hochman won his election against Gascon, Geragos claimed that Theberge and Lunsford were intentionally reassigned because they were viewed as sympathetic to the Menendez brothers. Geragos also claimed that Hochman hired Cady, the attorney who represented the only Menendez family member against resentencing, to lead the district attorney’s Office of Victims’ Services.
A hearing is scheduled for Friday, where Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic will preside.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman talks about the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez for the murders of their parents decades ago during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo)
The Menendez brothers are currently serving a life sentence without parole after killing their parents, Mary “Kitty” Menendez and Jose Menendez, in 1989 after they were allegedly sexually abused for years by their father.
Fox News Digital reached out to Geragos for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.
