Newsom says he will hold Menendez brothers' clemency decision until new LA DA reviews case

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday said that he would hold his decision on whether to grant the Menendez brothers' clemency until after the new Los Angeles district attorney has a chance to review the case.

Former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who defeated LA District Attorney George Gascon in the general election earlier this month, said last week that he would need to review the evidence before deciding on how to move forward with the case.

The two brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996, after a second jury found them guilty of murdering their parents. The first trial concluded with a hung jury. But Gascon recommended that the brothers be resentenced.

Attorneys for the brothers are currently seeking three routes to get the brothers released, including by getting clemency from the governor himself. However, Newsom's office on Monday said that he would wait for Hochman's review, per ABC6.

"The Governor respects the role of the District Attorney in ensuring justice is served and recognizes that voters have entrusted District Attorney-elect Hochman to carry out this responsibility," the governor's office said. "The Governor will defer to the DA-elect's review and analysis of the Menendez case prior to making any clemency decisions."

Hochman responded Monday that he will begin the review after he takes office on Dec. 3.

"This is the same type of rigorous analysis I have done throughout my 34 year career in criminal justice as a prosecutor and defense counsel, and the same type of thorough review that I will give to all cases regardless of media attention," he said.

If Hochman makes the same recommendation for the brothers, then they would be eligible for parole immediately.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.