Menendez brothers’ sentences under review amid new abuse claims
New evidence may lead to re-evaluation of Menendez brothers' sentences
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced that his office will review new evidence suggesting Erik and Lyle Menendez may have been molested. This development could lead to a re-evaluation of their sentences, more than 30 years after they killed their parents.
Gascon has not yet made a decision on this new evidence. “None of this information has been confirmed,” he stated, highlighting the need for a thorough review. “We have a moral and ethical obligation to examine what is presented and make a determination.”
Joseph Lyle Menendez, 56, and Erik Menendez, 53, were found guilty in 1989 of murdering their parents, Jose and Mary “Kitty” Menendez, in Beverly Hills. Prosecutors said Kitty Menendez was killed after being shot, with one of the brothers reloading to deliver the fatal shot.
A new hearing for the Menendez brothers has been set for November 29th as new evidence of molestation from their father is reviewed. pic.twitter.com/jBCnEa8cuA
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 3, 2024
Following a mistrial, the Menendez brothers were convicted in a second trial and sentenced to life in prison in 1996. They are currently held at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego and have recently sought reduced sentences.
Mark Geragos, one of their lawyers, commended Gascon’s decision to review the evidence. He noted that the convictions occurred during a period of significant prison expansion and law-and-order political climate in California. Geragos emphasised the evolved understanding of abuse, stating, “It’s time for a re-evaluation based on our current understanding of abuse.”
The case has remained in the public eye due to the Menendez family’s wealth and the nature of the crime. Initially, there were theories that the mafia was involved. The brothers later admitted to the murders, claiming they were sexually abused by their father and acted out of fear for their lives. They have continually appealed their convictions.
New evidence includes a letter from one of the brothers to a family member, allegedly discussing molestation. Additionally, a member of the 1980s Puerto Rican boy band Menudo has claimed Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him. Prosecutors previously argued that there was no evidence of molestation, asserting that the brothers were motivated by greed, pointing to their spending sprees after the murders. The defence argued that the brothers acted in self-defence after enduring abuse.
Interest in the case has been renewed by the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” Erik Menendez’s wife, Tammy, condemned the show as a “dishonest portrayal,” criticising the prosecution’s narrative that denied male sexual abuse.
A year ago, the Menendez brothers filed a writ of habeas corpus to vacate their 1996 conviction, citing new allegations in the “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed” docuseries. In it, Roy Roselló, a former Menudo member, alleged that Jose Menendez drugged and raped him.
The brothers argue that these new allegations support their claims of self-defence after years of abuse. Gascon stated that sexual assault would be treated with more sensitivity today. His office will review the new evidence and decide on re-sentencing. A hearing is scheduled for 29 November.
Gascon, who is running for re-election after two failed recall attempts, noted that over 300 people have been re-sentenced during his tenure, with only four reoffending.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC highlights Los Angeles prosecutors reviewing new evidence in the Menendez brothers’ case, potentially reopening the long-standing murder convictions and considering resentencing due to alleged sexual abuse claims.(read more)
- None. The provided link does not lead to an article about Los Angeles prosecutors reviewing the Menendez case. However, based on the other sources, here is an overview of the Menendez case in exactly 28 words:
Los Angeles prosecutors are reviewing new evidence that might vacate the convictions of Lyle and Erik Menendez, citing sexual abuse and self-defense claims, which could significantly alter the trial’s outcome.(read more)
- Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles County DA George Gascón will review new evidence in the Menendez brothers’ case, potentially leading to resentencing or release.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What new evidence has emerged in the Menendez brothers’ case?
A letter alleging molestation and claims from a Menudo band member have emerged.
Why are the Menendez brothers seeking a sentence review?
They claim new evidence supports their allegations of abuse by their father.
What did George Gascon say about the new evidence?
Gascon said the new evidence hasn’t been confirmed but must be ethically reviewed.
What impact could the Netflix series have on the Menendez case?
The series has sparked renewed public interest and scrutiny of the case.
When is the next hearing for the Menendez brothers’ case?
A hearing is scheduled for November 29.
