Family members of murder victims oppose Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearings

SAN PEDRO, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Family members of murder victims held a press conference Tuesday to say they oppose the Menendez brothers' possible resentencing hearings.

The families were joined by Lawanda Hawkins, CEO of Justice for Murdered Children, which is "one of the leading homicide victims organizations offering support for the family's of homicides victims for over two decades in Los Angeles," according to a press release obtained by NBC News.

During the press conference, the families asked the judge to not resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills home, with the hearings scheduled for this Thursday and Friday in Van Nuys.

"Our organization comprised of homicide victims surviving family members are outraged that the Menendez brothers are even being considered by a judge for possible resentencing. The Menendez brothers had their day in court. In fact, they had two trials. The jury verdict found them both guilty of a cold blooded execution of their parents. The judge in the Menendez brothers' murder case sentenced them both to life in prison. 

If the Menendez brothers are granted resentencing. This will set a horrific precedent for other murderers to ask for a resentencing hearing. When someone is convicted of murder and sentenced, the judge and jury have spoken. We should all respect the decision made by the judge and never allow convicted murderers to use their fame and money to manipulate a new judge decades later."

Lawanda Hawkins, CEO, Justice for Murdered Children

To watch the livestream of the press conference, see attached video.