A leading Los Angeles prosecutor has recommended that Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted over three decades ago for the murder of their parents, be resentenced and potentially released on parole. The 1989 killings of Kitty and Jose Menendez in their Beverly Hills home have long captivated the public, recently reigniting interest with a popular Netflix series. For the brothers to be freed, a judge must accept the prosecutor’s recommendation, followed by approval from a parole board.
Currently, Erik Menendez, age 53, and Lyle Menendez, age 56, are serving life sentences without parole in California. The crux of the case revolved around the brothers’ motives, as their parents were shot multiple times while watching television. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón expressed Thursday that while murder is indefensible, the brothers have endured severe dysfunction and abuse, which he believes warrants their consideration for resentencing.
During their 1990s trials, the prosecution characterized the brothers as privileged individuals who meticulously plotted their parents’ killings to inherit their wealth. In contrast, defense attorneys maintained that they were victims of extensive emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, acting in self-defense.
The recent recommendation from Gascón comes amid new evidence suggesting historical claims of sexual abuse, including a letter written by Erik in 1988 that alleges abuse by their father. Additionally, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo alleged that Jose Menendez drugged and assaulted him during a visit to their home.
Gascón announced that his office would file a formal resentencing recommendation in court soon, with a hearing expected within the next month or so to discuss the arguments for a lesser sentence. The proceedings are anticipated to attract significant public interest and could potentially see arguments from Gascón’s staff opposing his position. Milton Andersen, Kitty Menendez’s brother, has criticized the prosecutor for engaging in political maneuvers. If the parole board agrees to release the brothers, California Governor Gavin Newsom retains the authority to deny it.
The Menendez brothers previously filed a motion earlier this year detailing the new evidence in their case. Despite the timing of the announcement, coinciding with Gascón’s approaching re-election, he has denied that politics influenced the decision. Public figures, including Kim Kardashian, have praised Gascón for his actions, underscoring the importance of challenging judicial decisions and pursuing truth in such high-profile cases.