Southern California

California Governor Defers Clemency Decision for Menendez Brothers

Gov. Newsom said he will wait until after the county’s new district attorney weighs in on the pair, who killed their parents in 1989.
California Governor Defers Clemency Decision for Menendez Brothers
Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing on Nov. 26, 1990. Nick Ut/AP Photo
Jill McLaughlin
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has deferred his decision on granting clemency for convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez until Los Angeles County’s newly elected district attorney Nathan Hochman can review the case, his office announced Nov. 18.

“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,” his office wrote in a statement Monday afternoon.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.