Los Angeles, California: LA District Attorney George Gascón is recommending parole for Menendez brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989.
Citing new evidence, including allegations of sexual abuse by their father, Gascón argues that Erik and Lyle Menendez should be re-sentenced after more than 30 years in prison.
The case, which has captivated the public for decades and recently inspired a Netflix series, involved the brutal shooting of Kitty and Jose Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion.
Gascón believes the Menendez brothers were victims of severe dysfunction and abuse at home, stating that while there is no excuse for murder, they have “paid their debt to society.”
However, their potential release hinges on a judge’s decision and a parole board review. New evidence includes a letter from Erik Menendez detailing abuse and claims from a former Menudo band member, who alleged that Jose Menendez assaulted him.
The case started on 20 August 1989 when the brothers – then aged 18 and 21 – called police and reported finding their parents’ bodies after returning home.
Will Menendez brothers walk free?
LA District Attorney George Gascón plans to file a re-sentencing recommendation for Erik and Lyle Menendez, arguing for a reduced sentence based on new evidence.
A hearing is expected within 30-45 days, where a judge will consider their potential release.
The case has divided Gascón’s office, and Kitty Menendez’s brother, Milton Andersen, criticized the move as political. If a judge approves, a parole board will assess the brothers’ rehabilitation, with California Governor Gavin Newsom having final say.
The decision was announced 12 days before Election Day, where Mr Gascón is facing a tough re-election and is down by 30 points in some polls. He denied his announcement was political and said it was a long-time coming.
What did Menendez brothers do?
In August 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were found shot to death in their Beverly Hills mansion. Initially, authorities didn’t suspect their sons, Erik and Lyle, but their lavish spending following the murders raised suspicions. A confession to their psychologist, recorded by the doctor’s girlfriend, led to their arrests in 1990.
During their 1993 trial, the brothers admitted to the killings, claiming self-defence due to years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by their father, Jose. Prosecutors, however, argued the motive was financial, citing their parents’ $14 million fortune and the brothers’ calculated actions leading up to the murders.
They outlined their methodical planning, purchasing two shotguns days before the killings and their spending sprees afterwards. They painted the brothers as spoiled sons who thought they could get away with anything.
Their first trial ended with a mistrial, but a second in 1995 led to them to being convicted of first-degree murder.
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