Inside LADA

February 21, 2025: DA Announces Filing of LADA's Informal Response to Menendez Habeas Petition

 

February 21, 2025: The Anatomy of The Menendez Case

 

 

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that his office has filed an informal response to the habeas petition submitted by Lyle and Erik Menendez in May 2023. The filing was made pursuant to a court order in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

In addition to the court filing, the District Attorney’s Office has provided an educational resource for the public. A link to an informational video discussing the Menendez case from a procedural perspective has been made available on the DA’s website with links below. The video aims to provide insight into the workings of the criminal justice system, using the Menendez case as a framework to explain legal proceedings.

“I want to thank the dedicated attorneys and staff in my office particularly Assistant Head Deputy Habib Balian; and Deputy District Attorneys Seth Carmack and Ethan Milius for their diligent work on this case,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Transparency and public education are essential to ensuring confidence in our justice system, and I encourage the public to utilize these resources to better understand the legal process.”

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February 10, 2025: DA Hochman, Lawmakers, Other Elected Officials to Announce Legislation to Address Wildfire-Related Crimes

 

 

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino), Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D - Thousand Oaks), and Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D - Downey) announced the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 469, bipartisan legislation that provides law enforcement with better tools to crack down on looting and impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other emergencies. AB 469 responds to recent criminal activity in mandatory evacuation areas and communities devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Among other important changes, AB 469 would allow prosecutors to seek stronger penalties for looting and impersonation, close existing loopholes that can hinder prosecution, and better protect communities during the recovery and rebuilding process.

The new legislation was developed in close consultation with firefighters and law enforcement professionals and is supported by the California Professional Firefighters, the California District Attorneys Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, Ventura County District Attorney Eric Nasarenko, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

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February 10, 2025: DA Hochman Announces Felony Charges Against Man Accused of Throwing Object Onto 101 Freeway During Protest

 

 

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that Martin Richard Torres has been charged in the felony crime of throwing an object onto the 101 Freeway with an intent to cause great bodily injury during an immigration protest.

“Everyone has the right to express their views and engage in peaceful protest — that is fundamental to our democracy,” District Attorney Hochman said. “But when actions cross the line into criminal behavior that endangers lives, my Office will not hesitate to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Throwing objects onto a busy freeway is not an act of protest; it is a reckless and dangerous crime that could seriously injure or kill innocent people. If you use a protest as a cover for criminal activity, know this — you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable.”

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