A request challenging the validity of the Menendez brothers’ murder convictions is scheduled to be heard in a Van Nuys courtroom Monday morning.
Eric and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences without parole for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents in Beverly Hills, are seeking a reduction in their sentences in a separate legal proceeding.
Monday’s hearing ruled that the brothers’ convictions and prison sentences were unconstitutional, given new evidence that the brothers were victims of sexual abuse by their parents as children. It will handle the brothers’ 2023 petition for habeas corpus, which alleges that Father is Jose Menendez.
According to a habeas petition filed by the brothers, the second trial in which they were convicted and sentenced was unfairly barred from testifying about the alleged abuse.
It is unclear whether the brothers, now both in their 50s, will attend the hearing in Van Nuys court in person or remotely from a San Diego jail.
The public is welcome to attend Monday’s hearing, although seating is limited.
Los Angeles County Superior Court will hold a public lottery for 16 seats from Van Nuys Courthouse West between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Monday after lottery tickets are distributed between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Here’s what you need to know to participate in the lottery.
Winning tickets are not transferable. Lottery winners should arrive in time for the 10:30 a.m. hearing to begin. Photography, videography, and recording are prohibited inside the courtroom. Mobile phones must be turned off and put away. Eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited
Another hearing is scheduled for Dec. 11, but could be postponed to address the brothers’ request for a life sentence with the possibility of parole, and if granted, immediate parole. A hearing will be held and there is a possibility that he will be released.
Outgoing Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced last month that he would support a new trial, but incoming Democratic Rep. Nathan Hockman, who takes office Dec. 2, told NBCLA he would review the case before making a decision. He said he needed time. How to proceed.
Other officials familiar with the proceedings said there was a good chance the reconsideration hearing would be postponed.
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