California Gov. Newsom defers clemency decision as incoming LA County district attorney reviews Menendez brothers case

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will defer his decision on the Menendez brothers' clemency petition to allow for incoming Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to review the case, his office announced Monday.

"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," Newsom's office said in a statement. "The Governor will defer to the DA-elect's review and analysis of the Menendez case prior to making any clemency decisions."

Lyle and Erik Menendez have spent roughly 35 years in state prison after they were convicted in their parents' 1989 murder. Outgoing District Attorney George Gascón sent letters in support of the brothers' clemency to Newsom after a Netflix show and documentary revived interest in the brothers' case.