Two young people pose for a black and white photo, with an inset showing a man in a suit. — The Democratic governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and Erik and Lyle Menéndez. | Redacción

Camara — The Democratic governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and Erik and Lyle Menéndez. | Redacción

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom Obstructs the Menendez Brothers' Process

The new sentencing of the Menéndez brothers is delayed by the Governor of California for a 'risk assessment.'

05/03/2025 10:32:00h

Editorial Team

Erik and Lyle Menéndez won't be able to appear before the court this month as planned. Their resentencing hearing, scheduled for March 20 and 21, was postponed due to a controversial decision by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The governor intervened directly in the case by ordering a "risk assessment investigation" on the brothers, questioning whether they are ready to reintegrate into society. This measure nullified any possible progress in court, rendering the resentencing hearing meaningless.

Two young men in dark suits and ties sitting in a courtroom, with serious expressions and blurred people in the background.

Lyle and Erik Menéndez at the trial. | Redacción

Newsom prevented the judicial process from following its natural course. Instead of a judge determining the sentence and transferring the case to the Parole Board, the governor stepped in and forced an investigation that slows down the procedure.

A decision that changes the course of the case

Lyle Menéndez reacted to the news from prison in San Diego, where he posted a message on Facebook asking his followers for patience and faith. Meanwhile, Newsom justified his decision by assuring that experts will evaluate "the causes that led the brothers to commit their crime" and whether they have done the necessary work to avoid reoffending.

Two close-up photos of a man, one with hair and the other with a shaved head, both with a gray background.

Erik Menéndez and Lyle Menendez. | Redacción

The sudden change in the state's strategy came shortly after the Menéndez brothers appeared on TMZ's podcast "2 Angry Men," where they talked about their life in prison. Newsom announced that the Parole Board will receive the evaluation results in the coming months, which could lead to a parole hearing.

Lyle Menendez's social media post with two messages. The first informs that the re-sentencing hearing will not take place this month, highlighting the importance of awaiting the results of a risk assessment initiated by Governor Newsom, and urges patience and faith. The second message clarifies that only a judge can dismiss a habeas corpus and that they will present a rebuttal to Hochman's erroneous response, ensuring that the fight will continue. Both messages have reactions, comments, and options to interact.

Lyle Menéndez's posts on Facebook. | Redacción

With this action, Newsom not only unnecessarily prolongs the judicial process but also keeps the Menéndez brothers in a legal limbo.Although he has the power to grant clemency, his intervention seems like a strategy to avoid making a clear decision about their future.

➡️ Argentina