At a news conference on Feb 21, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office will oppose a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Erik and Lyle Menendez seeking a new trial for the brothers. The petition is one of three possible pathways for release for the two. Hochman indicated that he is still deciding whether he will recommend a resentencing. A hearing on the resentencing is set to begin on March 20 at Van Nuys Courthouse West. Attorneys for the brothers have also filed an application for clemency through Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. Erik and Lyle Menendez have served more than 35 years of their life sentences after being convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills.
The brothers’ current attempts to gain a new trial, resentencing or release hinge in part on new evidence that may corroborate claims their parents sexually abused the brothers. A letter from Erik Menendez to a cousin implies the abuse continued up until months before the killings. Roy Rosselló, a pop singer, also made a statement that he was abused by the brothers’ father.
At the press conference, Hochman questioned the credibility of the new evidence. He also noted that “Sexual abuse in this situation may have been a motivation for Erik and Lyle to do what they did, but it does not constitute self-defense.”
In response to Hochman’s decision, a coalition led by family members of the brothers released a statement that the DA “effectively tore up new evidence and discredited the trauma they experienced. To suggest that the years of abuse couldn’t have led to the tragedy in 1989 is not only outrageous, but also dangerous. Abuse does not exist in a vacuum.”
The same day as the conference, the DA’s office filed papers urging the court to reject the habeas corpus petition, which effectively killed chances for a retrial. A video also released that day by the office outlined the brothers’ legal attempts at release “from a procedural perspective.” A statement accompanying the video said that it was produced because “transparency and public education are essential to ensuring confidence” in the justice system.
The March 20 resentencing hearing has the potential to change the brothers’ sentences from life in prison without parole to life in prison with parole. If resentenced, they’d likely be released. Relatives of the two brothers released a statement expressing hope that the judge in that case “will examine the evidence in their case without resignation was handled. She also had this to say about Stuart’s post. “The actions of newly elected Board Member Russell Stuart are deeply troubling,” said Azevedo. She continued, “His posting of the BHUSD logo with ‘DOGE’ written next to the letter ‘D’ on social media is not only inappropriate and disrespectful, but it also appears to align with a political agenda that has no place in a public school district.”
Azevedo also opined that the post violated board bylaws, including those pertaining to personal viewpoints not shared by the entire board. She said that her child, a student within BHUSD, told her, “It is insensitive and disrespectful that we have a leader so immature that connects personal politics to the education of growing children.”
Later in the meeting, Stuart addressed Azevedo’s comments, clarifying his intention with the post. “What [it] means is that it’s an ideological stance that we believe that we’re wasting money on things federally, statewide and especially here.”
He added, “It’s unfortunate that certain people had such intense feelings about my social media post … So, for those that don’t like my post personally, and your emotions take over, I’m sorry. But my job is still the same, and our job is still the same. It’s to effectively and properly spend your tax dollars for the benefit of every single student, and that is exactly what we’re doing.”
The morning after the board meeting, Stuart made additional comments on social media. “At last night’s board meeting, some tried to distort my message and create unnecessary controversy over a lighthearted post. Trying to bully me will NEVER work. Let’s be clear: my priority has always been transparency, accountability, and ensuring that every tax dollar is spent wisely for the benefit of our students. #BHUSDoge.” He also clarified in the post that he was speaking his own views, and not the views of the board.”
On Feb. 27, Stuart provided the Courier with some additional remarks on the matter.
“I stand by every word I say and that’s what different about me … If you have the type of mindset that believes in the mission of DOGE, which means government efficiency to be efficient with finances, then you’re going to see what it is. If you’re someone who disagrees with that mission, then it expands into any other political ideology that you want to make up in your head. That’s not what the post was. My mission is to uncover spending that I believe is not done properly,” he said.
Stuart also singled out Tina Wiener, President of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF). Wiener attended the Feb. 25 board meeting and was listed as one of the speakers during public comment. However, noting that there was very little time left in that portion of the meeting, Wiener ceded her time to Azevedo, who made the statements pertaining to Stuart’s social media post, set forth above.
“I think the biggest disappointment for me was seeing Tina Wiener, the President of BHEF, which is our funding raising arm, going against financial efficiency,” Stuart told the Courier.
When reached by the Courier, Wiener had this response. “I am very supportive of efficiency in government but was not happy with the manner in which the resignation of Dr. Bregy was handled. As for the social media post using the BHUSD letters and colors, I did not feel it was the appropriate messaging to explain the board’s position on their decisions.”
