Two Los Angeles prosecutors have filed complaints alleging retaliation by District Attorney Nathan Hochman over their support for a reduced sentence for Lyle and Erik Menéndez, the brothers who were convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents.
The prosecutors claim their backing of the resentencing request triggered internal decisions that derailed their careers. This high-profile case, already a media and legal rollercoaster, has now taken on political undertones, with accusations of manipulation within the DA's office.
Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford, the prosecutors in question, claim they were demoted shortly after Hochman took office in December 2024.
Theberge was reassigned to the Alternate Public Defender's Office, a move she calls "a clear demotion."
Lunsford, on his end, was relegated to administrative duties in Norwalk, which he says damaged his career and reputation.
Both have filed formal claims seeking $5.25 million each in damages, arguing their reassignments were direct retaliation for supporting the brothers' resentencing.
@menendezbrothers_2025 In the gripping tale of the Menendez brothers, two prosecutors who recommended their release now claim they faced retaliation from District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Let's dive into the details. In 2022, two prosecutors who worked on the case, Brock Lunsford and Nancy Theberge, recommended a resentencing that could lead to their release. However, shortly after, they were reassigned to different units within the DA's office. They claim that D.A. Hochman's office has a history of retaliating against prosecutors who disagree with his decisions. While Hochman denies these allegations, the timing of the reassignments raises eyebrows. This case highlights the delicate balance between prosecutorial discretion and the pursuit of justice. It also raises questions about the potential for political influence in criminal justice decisions. #menendez #menendezbrotherscase #erikmenendez #lylemenendez
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A divisive legal battle
Debate over Lyle and Erik Menéndez's sentences is not new. In October 2024, then-DA George Gascón requested a review, citing new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father, José Menéndez.
Public interest in the case surged with the release of Netflix's 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' reigniting discussions on whether they acted in self-defense or if, as per the original verdict, the murders were premeditated.
Some argue their life sentences without parole should be reconsidered in light of new evidence, while others believe the severity of the crime justifies their punishment.
Retaliation or routine reshuffling?
Nathan Hochman's election as district attorney in November 2024 dramatically shifted the case's trajectory. During his campaign, he criticized his predecessor's sentencing policies.
The Menéndez family released a statement supporting the displaced prosecutors, stating: "The decision to remove these dedicated prosecutors from the case, however, underscored exactly what we feared, that political influences might overshadow justice."
What's next for the Menéndez case?
Originally scheduled for January 2025, the resentencing hearing was postponed to March 20 due to the Los Angeles wildfires. However, the biggest challenge remains Hochman's position—will he support the petition or block it?
If approved, the brothers' sentences could be reduced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole immediately. However, their release would still require approval from the parole board.
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