LA Superior Court judge presiding over resentencing
Profile
Michael V. Jesic is a judge on the Superior Court of Los Angeles County who was thrust into the national spotlight when he was assigned to preside over the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez in late 2024 [1]. Appointed to the bench by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008, Jesic spent twelve years as a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles before becoming a judge, including six and a half years in the Hardcore Gang Division where he handled numerous high-profile cases [2].
Known for a straightforward, no-nonsense approach in the courtroom, Jesic took over the Menendez case after it was transferred to the Van Nuys Courthouse [1]
On May 13, 2025, Judge Jesic delivered the landmark ruling that resentenced the Menendez brothers from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole consideration. In his decision, Jesic cited the brothers' extensive rehabilitation work in prison and supportive letters from corrections officers, stating: "I'm not saying they should be released; it's not for me to decide... I do believe they've done enough over the last 35 years, that they should get that chance" [4][5].
Sources
No media appearances recorded yet.
