Highlights
- LA prosecutor pushes for re-sentencing of Menendez brothers, citing new abuse evidence.
- New evidence includes a letter from Erik Menendez and testimony from a former boy band member.
- Brothers could gain parole if the judge and parole board approve the recommendation.
- District Attorney George Gascón faces criticism for the timing of his decision amid re-election.
- Kim Kardashian praises Gascón for addressing a “significant wrong.”
- 1989 murders of Kitty and Jose Menendez were shocking, with the parents shot 13 times.
- Brothers were convicted in 1995, sentenced to life without parole for their parents’ murders.
A Los Angeles County prosecutor has urged a judge to reconsider the sentencing of the Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, over three decades after they were convicted for the brutal 1989 murder of their parents.
The two brothers, now aged 53 and 56, are serving life sentences without parole, but a recent announcement by George Gascón, the LA County District Attorney, opens a window for their potential release.
The brothers were sentenced for the notorious killing of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, at their luxurious Beverly Hills home.
The parents were shot a staggering 13 times while watching TV, an event that captivated the nation. In the 1990s, prosecutors painted Erik and Lyle as greedy and entitled, motivated by their desire to inherit their parents’ $14 million fortune.
New Evidence of Alleged Abuse
However, the focus of the case has shifted. Gascón cited the emergence of new evidence indicating sexual abuse suffered by the brothers.
One crucial piece is a letter from Erik Menendez to a family member, allegedly written in 1988, describing the abuse by his father, Jose.
Additionally, a member of the 1980s boy band Menudo came forward, claiming that Jose Menendez, an RCA executive, had drugged and assaulted him.
Despite the harrowing details, Gascón acknowledged, “While there’s no justification for murder, I believe the brothers have paid their debt to society.”
This statement aligns with their defense during the trials, where the brothers confessed to the murders but claimed they acted out of self-defense after enduring years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Decision Ahead: Parole or Denial?
For the Menendez brothers to walk free, several steps remain. A judge must first approve the re-sentencing recommendation. If the judge agrees, the case would move to the parole board, which would decide their release.
Even if the parole board votes in their favor, California Governor Gavin Newsom could still reject the decision.
The brothers’ behavior after the murders drew significant media attention. They initially claimed to have found their parents’ bodies upon returning home, but their subsequent extravagant spending, including buying Rolex watches and luxury cars, raised suspicions.
The turning point in the case came when Erik admitted to the murders during a session with his psychologist. This confession, recorded by the psychologist’s girlfriend, eventually led to their arrests in 1990.
During their 1993 trial, family members testified to witnessing emotional and physical abuse but could not confirm the sexual abuse claims. In the second trial in 1995, both brothers were convicted of first-degree murder.
A Politically Charged Announcement?
The timing of Gascón’s decision has not gone unnoticed. His announcement comes just days before a tough re-election race, leading to criticism from some who view it as politically motivated.
Milton Andersen, Kitty Menendez’s brother, accused Gascón of “playing politics.” However, Gascón rejected these claims, saying this decision was “a long time coming.”
Some critics see this move as a political gamble, but high-profile voices like Kim Kardashian praised Gascón on social media, stating, “This case highlights the importance of challenging decisions and seeking truth.”
A hearing is expected in the next 30-45 days, where a judge will review the evidence and arguments. The Menendez brothers may attend the proceedings that will undoubtedly stir public debate once again.
