The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, have been embroiled in a legal struggle for over three decades, fighting for the opportunity to demonstrate their rehabilitation and secure their release from prison, where they have been incarcerated since their convictions for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jos and Kitty Menendez. This week, they seemed to be on the verge of a significant development, as a Los Angeles county judge was slated to review their request for resentencing, a crucial step that could potentially allow for their immediate release.

Their attorney, Mark Geragos, intended to argue before Judge Michael Jesic that the charges against the Menendez brothers should be reduced to manslaughter. This change in charges could open the door for their release, given that it would come with a significantly lesser sentence. However, the brothers' journey toward freedom has been anything but smooth. After a day filled with tension in the courtroom, Judge Jesic decided to postpone the proceedings until next month, citing ongoing disputes between the defense and prosecution that necessitated further consideration.

After the hearing, Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of the Menendez brothers, expressed her disappointment to NBC Los Angeles. Today was a little bit disappointing for us as a family, she stated outside the courthouse. There have been some delays in this process that were unforeseeable, like the wildfires, that, of course, we have great patience for. This is another delay that is not so much, but we will continue to show up as a family. Her remarks reflect the ongoing frustrations that the family has experienced as they navigate the complexities of the judicial system.

In the previous year, the Menendez brothers began to see a glimmer of hope for their potential release, fueled by a surge of public support for their case. Notably, George Gascn, the former Los Angeles County District Attorney, had expressed his belief that the brothers deserved to be resentenced, arguing that their past actions were rooted in their experiences of severe abuse. Gascns progressive stance included a recommendation for a new sentence of 50 years to life, which, under California law, would have rendered them immediately eligible for release.

Erik, 54, and Lyle, 57, were convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder for the shotgun killings of their parents. During the trial, they argued that they acted in self-defense, believing their parents were about to kill them to conceal the extensive abuse they had endured. In contrast, prosecutors painted the brothers as privileged young men who resorted to murder to inherit their parents substantial wealth. Over the years, the brothers have pursued multiple legal avenues for release, including appeals for a new trial based on new evidence of their father's abuse, petitions for clemency from the governor, and requests for resentencing.

Unfortunately for the Menendez brothers, the political landscape shifted after Gascn lost his district attorney position to Nathan Hochman last November. Hochmans office has taken a firm stance against resentencing, asserting that the brothers have not shown adequate remorse for their actions. They argue that the brothers' claims of abuse should not mitigate their responsibility for the crimes they committed.

The Menendez family, largely supportive of the brothers' release, has voiced strong criticism against the new district attorney. They argue that Hochman is incapable of handling this process with the fairness, care, or neutrality required by law. The ongoing courtroom proceedings have seen the family present, alongside Erik and Lyle, who participated via video link from a California state prison located near San Diego.

During this weeks hearing, the prosecution sought to delay proceedings further to obtain risk assessment reports from the state parole board. Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian emphasized, If there is a report out there assessing the risk of violence, how do we not use it? Ultimately, the judge opted to defer the hearing so both sides could review the relevant documents, which the governor's office has indicated cannot be viewed as a standalone risk assessment.

In light of these developments, the next hearing for the Menendez brothers is scheduled for May 9. The legal challenges they face continue to intensify, with their attorney Geragos also planning to seek the recusal of the district attorney from the case. Geragos has been vocal in condemning the DA's approach, labeling it appalling and criticizing the decision to display a graphic crime scene photo during a prior hearing, which reportedly traumatized family members present.

The Menendez family's grief is palpable as they navigate the complexities and emotional toll of this prolonged legal battle. Our forgiveness for Erik and Lyle does not erase our grief. It does not mean we dont mourn Jos and Kitty. It means we believe that people can grow. That trauma begets trauma, they expressed in a statement. As this case continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the future holds for the Menendez brothers and the family they left behind.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.