Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has publicly opposed granting Lyle and Erik Menendez a new trial, a move that has sparked criticism from actor Cooper Koch, who portrayed Erik Menendez in Netflix’s Monsters.
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, José and Mary Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. They have consistently maintained that they acted in self-defense following years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. In 2022, then-District Attorney George Gascon recommended that the brothers be re-sentenced, which could have led to their eligibility for parole. This recommendation was influenced by newly surfaced evidence, including letters allegedly supporting the brothers’ claims of abuse.
However, since taking office in 2024, Hochman has dismissed the possibility of a new trial. In a press conference on Friday, he questioned the credibility of the newly introduced evidence, particularly a 1988 letter from Erik Menendez to Andy Cano. Hochman cast doubt on its authenticity and relevance.
“We looked again at the credibility of the letters, particularly this Andy Cano 1988 supposed letter,” Hochman stated. “It calls into drastic question whether this is in fact a 1988 letter written by Erik Menendez to Andy Cano about this sexual abuse.”
Hochman also argued that, even if the letter were genuine, it was not presented during the original trial and was introduced too late to be considered now. “The delay in bringing this motion from at least 2015 to 2023 is substantial,” he added, referencing the brothers’ attempt to secure a re-sentencing.
Based on legal grounds, Hochman stated that the court should deny the Menendez brothers’ habeas petition. However, he acknowledged that if the court disagrees, it could issue an “order to show cause,” potentially leading to further legal proceedings.
Cooper Koch Speaks Out
Actor Cooper Koch, who played Erik Menendez in Monsters, voiced his disappointment over Hochman’s stance. Sharing his thoughts through a message posted on his brother Payton Koch’s Instagram Story, he criticised the DA’s opposition to a new trial.
“I am deeply troubled by the statement made today by District Attorney Nathan Hochman,” Koch wrote. “It is still my firm belief that the Menendez brothers did not receive a fair second trial and all of the evidence that supported their claims of sexual, psychological, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of their mother and father were not considered.”
Koch has been vocal about his support for the Menendez brothers, advocating for their case and maintaining his belief in their innocence. “I remain hopeful that there is still a path forward that will lead to their freedom, so I encourage all of their supporters to keep their voices strong,” he added.
The Menendez Case: Ongoing Debate
The Menendez brothers were convicted of first-degree murder for the 1989 killings, with their case attracting significant media attention and public debate over whether their actions were a response to years of abuse. After more than three decades in prison, their fight for freedom continues, bolstered by growing support from legal experts, activists, and figures in the entertainment industry.
With Hochman’s refusal to allow a new trial, the brothers’ future remains uncertain. While some, like Koch, continue to advocate for justice and their potential release, the legal battle surrounding one of California’s most notorious criminal cases shows no signs of ending soon.
