The Los Angeles District Attorney's office, under newly elected DA Nathan Hochman, has dismissed claims of a conflict of interest in the Menendez brothers' case as "baseless." These allegations arose amidst reports that some family members are seeking to have the potential resentencing handled by the state attorney general, rather than the county prosecutors.

A spokesperson for the DA's office emphasized that the conflict of interest claim, initially presented to the media, lacks merit. They confirmed that all family members of the victims who wish to speak with the District Attorney before any final decisions are made have been invited to do so, with these discussions expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

Hochman's predecessor, George Gascon, had allegedly only met with relatives supporting the brothers' release, excluding their 90-year-old uncle, Milton Andersen, a staunch opponent of leniency. The brothers, Erik and Lyle Menendez, were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez (Andersen's sister and brother-in-law), in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.

The brothers' initial trial resulted in a hung jury, but they were subsequently convicted and sentenced to life without parole. They are now seeking a sentence reduction under a new California law. Public support for their release has grown following documentaries highlighting their claims of childhood abuse by their father.

Their legal team points to new evidence, including abuse allegations against Jose Menendez by Roy Rosello, a former Menudo member, and a letter allegedly written by Erik to his cousin before the murders, which could corroborate trial testimony. The letter's authenticity remains disputed.

While Gascon had sought a resentencing that could have freed the brothers, Hochman has pledged a thorough review of each case before deciding. The alleged conflict of interest stems from Andersen's former lawyer, Kathleen Cady, joining Hochman's office, a claim the DA's office denies.

The brothers maintain they acted in self-defense, fearing their father would kill them if they revealed his alleged abuse. However, the excessive force used against their mother raises questions about their claims.

Andersen remains firmly against any reduction in their sentences, disputing their abuse allegations. A separate habeas corpus petition, based on the letter and Rosello's claims, is also underway. Governor Newsom has deferred any clemency decision pending Hochman's review.