Menendez Brothers Case: Family Cousin Opposes DA Hochman's Handling of Resentencing

Family Opposition to DA Hochman

• 🎯 Tamara Goodell, cousin of the Menendez brothers, expresses fervent opposition to DA Nathan Hochman's involvement in the resentencing case.
• ⚠️ Goodell states that Hochman's treatment of the family has been "out of alignment" with resentencing laws like AB600 and AB88.
• 💔 The family views themselves as multi-dimensional victims, with members murdered and other family members convicted of the crime.

Concerns Over Courtroom Conduct

• 🖼️ A hospitalized elderly family member saw graphic crime scene photos, and Goodell found Hochman's dismissive response unprofessional and unethical.
• ⚖️ Resentencing hearings should focus on rehabilitation and post-conviction behavior, not graphic crime scene details presented inappropriately.
• 🗣️ Goodell describes Hochman as "hostile, dismissive, and patronizing," citing a disappointing one-on-one meeting where her concerns were dismissed.

DA Hochman's Stance on Admitting Lies

• 🎤 DA Hochman stated that Erik and Lyle Menendez must publicly admit to lying about how they planned the crime to be considered for resentencing.
• 🤥 Hochman believes that until they fully admit their lies and deceit, they cannot be trusted or considered rehabilitated, posing a risk to public safety.

Family's Perspective on Apologies and Cooperation

• ✅ Goodell asserts that Erik and Lyle Menendez have apologized multiple times to the family and are willing to answer questions.
• 🤝 They have never denied their actions or tried to scapegoat, stating, "This is what we did. This is why we did it."
• ❓ The family questions what else Hochman expects, as the brothers have reportedly fulfilled his requests for victim appeasement.

Hope for Resentencing

• ⏳ While hope for resentencing is not waning, it is becoming "further off into the distance."
• 💪 Erik and Lyle Menendez are described as pillars of strength, encouraging the family not to get discouraged and viewing this as part of a long process.
• 🏆 They have achieved accomplishments over 35 years to improve prison conditions for others, without expecting to be released.