Newsom Delays Clemency Decision for Menendez Brothers

California Governor Gavin Newsom has postponed his decision on the clemency requests of Erik and Lyle Menendez, awaiting a review from incoming Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who takes office on December 3. The Menendez brothers, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, had their clemency petition filed in October, supported by the outgoing District Attorney George Gascón. Gascón had indicated plans to seek resentencing to potentially allow for parole, but lost his re-election bid to Hochman, who will conduct a comprehensive review of the case, including trial transcripts and confidential prison records. Newsom's office stated that he respects the role of the new DA in ensuring justice is served. The brothers have been in prison for 34 years and have a resentencing hearing scheduled for December 11. Legal experts suggest that clemency may not be the most viable option for the brothers given Newsom's cautious approach to such requests.