Menendez Brothers Resentencing Hits Another Delay as Judge Weighs Risk Report and DA Recusal

The long-running Menendez brothers case just picked up another twist. The resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of killing their parents in 1989, has been bumped to next month after a Los Angeles judge decided two big motions needed sorting out first. The legal drama continues to draw in both supporters and skeptics — and it’s still anyone’s guess whether the brothers will ever see the world beyond prison gates.

At issue right now: whether the district attorney’s office can get access to a comprehensive risk assessment that’s supposed to help decide if the brothers are still a threat to society. The report was ordered by California’s governor as part of a clemency review. But the defense team, led by Mark Geragos, is crying foul — they say it’s unfair they didn’t get to see the report while prosecutors did. Judge Michael Jesic paused proceedings to clear up confusion and consider the fairness of the process.

And that wasn’t the only fireworks in court. The Menendez legal team wants the DA admonished for showing graphic crime scene photos at the last hearing, which reportedly sent a family member to the hospital. The judge didn’t grant that request but did ask everyone to give warnings before showing disturbing images. In his own words: if you can’t stomach the details, maybe court isn’t the place for you — which feels a bit like telling someone at a horror movie to just look away.

Now, the court’s next step is a hearing on May 9, focused on whether District Attorney Nathan Hochman should be recused from the case, and whether the risk assessment should even be admitted as evidence. With emotions running high and accusations flying — the defense calls the prosecution’s tactics a "dog and pony show," and the DA’s side insists they’re just doing their job — the judge is left to referee what’s starting to feel like a blend of drama and legal chess.

The Menendez brothers themselves listened intently as their fate was once again put on hold. Erik looked annoyed, Lyle appeared stoic, and their family, some of whom traveled for the hearing, braced themselves for yet another delay. Their attorneys say the family is tired of the "charade," and they’re not alone — watching this saga unfold, you almost have to wonder if the scriptwriters for true crime TV are taking notes.

For now, the judge has made it clear: no resentencing hearing until all the legal wrangling is sorted out. The defense is still optimistic, hoping that when the day finally comes, they’ll convince the judge to reduce the brothers’ convictions to manslaughter and let them go for time served. The prosecution, meanwhile, stands firm that their actions have been above board, and that the facts will speak for themselves.

It’s a case that’s been debated for decades, with supporters arguing the brothers were unfairly convicted and critics pointing to the grisly details of the murders. But with each new delay and every courtroom squabble, it’s clear the story of Erik and Lyle Menendez isn’t over — not by a long shot.