Gascon seeks re-sentencing for Menendez brothers amid election
Gascon's re-sentencing recommendation for Menendez brothers raises election timing questions
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced on Thursday his recommendation for the Menendez brothers to be re-sentenced for the 1989 murder of their parents. This move, amidst his challenging re-election campaign, has drawn significant attention.
Gascon proposed a sentence of 50 years to life for Erik and Joseph “Lyle” Menendez. This would make them immediately eligible for parole under state law, as they were under 26 at the time of the murders.
Criminal defense attorney David Gelman commented, “Gascon, who is trailing by 30 points in his re-election bid, is ensuring the Menendez brothers’ eligibility for parole. This is a bad day for the criminal justice system.” Gascon’s campaign did not provide a comment, and the DA’s office has been approached for further information.
George Gascon, who should’ve been removed and kicked to the curb recommends resentencing for the Menendez brothers pic.twitter.com/PSu838R8Tz
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) October 24, 2024
In 1996, the Menendez brothers received life sentences for killing Jose and Mary “Kitty” Menendez in their Beverly Hills home. They claimed sexual abuse by their father, but prosecutors insisted the motive was financial gain.
During the crime, the brothers had to fetch more shotgun shells to finish off their mother, who had blood on her shoes, suggesting she attempted to flee after the attack began.
Critics have questioned the timing of Gascon’s announcement, given its proximity to the November 5 election and his struggling campaign.
Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor running against Gascon, remarked, “Gascon received the Menendez habeas corpus petition in May 2023 and the re-sentencing request in February 2024. Yet he waited until days before the election, while trailing in the polls, to release his recommendation. This casts doubt on the fairness of his decision and whether it is a desperate political move.”
Gascon had previously stated he was reviewing the case after new evidence supported the abuse allegations. This evidence includes claims made last year that their father molested Roy Rossello, a former member of the boy band Menudo, in the 1980s, and a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin in 2015.
Jose Menendez was an RCA records executive at his death. On Thursday, Gascon said, “The brothers have been in prison for nearly 35 years and have paid their debt to society.” He added that court approval is necessary for re-sentencing, and a parole board must authorise their release. Gascon also praised the brothers’ good behavior during their imprisonment.
LA Co DA George Gascón says he will ask a court to re-sentence the #MenendezBrothers, making them eligible for parole immediately. @KFIAM640 pic.twitter.com/wJA4a5EkMP
— Michael A. Monks (@MicMonksLA) October 24, 2024
Gascon acknowledged the brothers’ guilt but questioned the extent of their culpability. The case attracted substantial media attention at the time and again with Netflix releases, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and “The Menendez Brothers” documentary.
Gelman noted the celebrities advocating for the brothers’ release, criticizing Gascon’s stance. “He believes they should be freed because of support from Kim Kardashian, Rosie O’Donnell, and Netflix. This is seen as beneficial for Hollywood. If the brothers commit another crime upon release, the responsibility will lie with Gascon. This is disgraceful.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- USA Today reports that a prosecutor recommends resentencing the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1996, potentially leading to their release.(read more)
- ABC7 reports Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón will announce whether to seek resentencing for the Menendez brothers, citing new evidence of their father’s abuse and their positive prison behavior.(read more)
- ABC7 NY reports on LA District Attorney George Gascón’s decision to announce a resentencing recommendation for Erik and Lyle Menendez, citing new evidence of alleged abuse and a shift in societal understanding of abuse claims.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are the Menendez brothers being re-sentenced?
DA Gascon recommended re-sentencing due to new evidence supporting abuse claims and their good behavior in prison.
What new evidence supports the Menendez brothers’ abuse claims?
New evidence includes allegations from Roy Rossello and a 2015 letter Erik wrote to his cousin.
How long have the Menendez brothers been in prison?
The Menendez brothers have been in prison for nearly 35 years.
What sentence did Gascon propose for the Menendez brothers?
Gascon proposed a sentence of 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole.
Why is Gascon’s announcement controversial?
Critics question the timing, suggesting it’s a political move to boost his struggling re-election campaign.
