ABC News - Menendez brothers’ attorney wants case to be transferred to state
The Mendez Brothers' case may see a significant shift as their lawyer, Brian Fredman, plans to file a petition to transfer the case from the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office to the California Attorney General. Fredman argues that a conflict of interest exists due to the involvement of Kathleen Katy, who was previously the attorney for a family member opposing the brothers' release. The family believes that the California Attorney General might be more favorable to their release. The brothers, incarcerated since 1996 for the murder of their parents, have gained renewed attention due to recent documentaries. The new Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hawkman, has removed two deputies who were advocating for the brothers' resentencing, indicating potential changes in the case's direction. The resentencing hearing is scheduled for the end of January.
Key Points:
- The lawyer claims a conflict of interest in the Los Angeles DA's office due to Kathleen Katy's previous role.
- The case may be transferred to the California Attorney General, potentially improving the brothers' chances of release.
- The brothers have been in prison since 1996 for the murder of their parents.
- Recent documentaries have brought renewed attention to the case.
- The resentencing hearing is set for the end of January, with potential major shifts expected.
Details:
1. 🔍 Mendez Brothers Seek Justice
- The Mendez Brothers' lawyer claims a conflict of interest exists, suggesting the California attorney general should take over the case.
- The nature of the conflict involves relationships between local prosecutors and key parties in the case, potentially compromising impartiality.
- This conflict is significant as it may affect the fairness of the legal proceedings, prompting calls for state-level intervention.
- Involving the California attorney general could ensure an unbiased review and decision-making process.
- The implications of this conflict could alter the course of the proceedings, highlighting the importance of addressing potential biases.
2. 📢 Conflict of Interest Raises Concerns
- The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is considering transferring the Mendez brothers' case to the California Attorney General's office due to a conflict of interest. This conflict arises from undisclosed reasons that could affect the impartiality of the proceedings.
- The potential transfer could significantly alter the dynamics of the case, potentially leading to a more unbiased review and decision-making process.
- The Mendez family believes that moving the case might increase the brothers' chances of release, as the California Attorney General's office may offer a fresh perspective and possibly more favorable outcomes.
3. ⚖️ Transfer to Attorney General Considered
- Attorney Brian Fredman, representing 24 family members of Kitty and Jose Menendez, plans to petition for transferring the Menendez case from the Los Angeles District Attorney's office to the California Attorney General. This reflects a strategic move to potentially influence the case outcome.
- Fredman argues that a conflict of interest exists between LA's new District Attorney Nathan Hawkman and his appointee Kathleen Katy, who is the newly appointed director of the Bureau of Victim Services. This alleged conflict is a key reason for seeking the case transfer.
- The transfer is supported by family members, particularly Kitty's and Jose's older sister, emphasizing the desire for their voices to be heard in the legal process.
- The move aims to ensure impartiality in the handling of the case, considering the new appointments in the DA's office might affect the case's integrity.
- Family members believe that the California Attorney General's office will provide a more neutral ground for the case, free from local political influences.
4. 🎭 Legal Representation and Allegations
- An attorney representing Kitty's brother, Milton Anderson, resigned after joining Hawkman's team, indicating a shift in legal strategy.
- Uncertainty surrounds whether the California attorney general will be more favorable to resentencing compared to the LA district attorney, who opposed it.
- Brian Fredman, involved in the case, is optimistic about the attorney general's potential stance.
- Hawkman, newly sworn in, removed two Deputy District Attorneys who were in favor of resentencing, demonstrating a possible change in prosecutorial approach.
- Hawkman intends to review all evidence and speak with witnesses before deciding on the case, reflecting a thorough approach.
- The case has regained public attention due to recent documentaries and dramatizations, highlighting its ongoing relevance and public interest.
5. ⏳ Awaiting Resentencing Decision
- The Menendez brothers, now in their 50s, have been incarcerated since their 1996 conviction for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose.
- Their aunt, Joan Vandermolen, has been a staunch advocate for their release, arguing they were failed by those who should have protected them.
- A resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers is scheduled for the end of January, potentially signaling a major shift in the case.
- California Attorney General Rob Bon might be more supportive of their release if the case is transferred, according to Fredman.
- The resentencing could result in reduced sentences or even potential release, significantly altering the brothers' future.
- This decision follows decades of legal battles and public interest, underscoring the complex legal and emotional dimensions of the case.
- The legal implications of the resentencing include possible precedent-setting for similar cases involving familial abuse claims.