The Los Angeles Prosecutor’s Office requested to reopen the case of the Menéndez brothers, convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents
The case of the brothers Lyle y Erik Menéndezwho were sentenced to life sentence without the possibility of parole in 1996 for the murder of his parents, José y Kitty Menéndezhas been reviewed by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Officewhich requested this Thursday the reopening of the trial. The request comes after the emergence of new evidence suggesting that the brothers were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, which could have influenced the motive behind the crimes.
As reported EFEthe final decision rests with a judge, who must evaluate whether the original sentence should be modified. The Los Angeles District Attorney, George Gasconannounced that he will propose a new sentence that eliminates the sentence of life imprisonment without parole, suggesting a sentence that includes the possibility of probation. “After a very careful review of all the arguments that were presented on behalf of people on both sides of this equation, I have concluded that they are within the law and that a resentencing is appropriate,” Gascón said.
Trailer de “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
A key factor for the Prosecutor’s Office in this review is the behavior and rehabilitation that the Menéndez brothers have demonstrated during the 34 years they have been in prison. According to Gascón, both have shown a commitment to rehabilitation, helping other inmates over the years. “Although they knew they would never be free, they chose a different path: the life of redemption and rehabilitation.”explained the prosecutor during a press conference held in Los Angeles on October 24.
District Attorney George Gascón proposes eliminating the sentence of life in prison without parole (Reuters)
This exemplary conduct could play a crucial role in the final decision, as California law allows a sentence to be reevaluated when the convicted person has demonstrated rehabilitation and does not pose a danger to the community. Gascón highlighted the possibility that, after decades of incarceration, the brothers could be reintegrated into society: “We believe that the Menéndez brothers have been rehabilitated and can reintegrate into the community without being a danger to us.”
One of the most important elements in the Prosecutor’s request is the presentation of new tests that were not taken into account during the original trials. Among them, a letter written by Erik Menéndezin which she describes the sexual abuse suffered by her father. Furthermore, in a recent documentary series broadcast on platforms such as Netflixmore testimonies about the abuse were revealed, including the testimony of Roy Rosselloformer member of the Latin pop group Slightwho claimed he was drugged and raped by Jose Menendez in the 80s.
Anamaria Baralt, niece of Jose Menendez, speaks during a press conference to announce new developments in the case of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Prosecutor Gascón mentioned that his office has adopted a more modern stance on sexual violence and trauma, which has motivated the reevaluation of this case: “Our office has developed a more modern understanding of sexual violence since the brothers were prosecuted”.
The case of the Menéndez brothers has once again captured public attention thanks to recent media productions, such as the documentary broadcast by Netflix. In particular, the docuseries “Menéndez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed”which aired in Peacock in 2023, presented new testimonies and details about the abuses they suffered Lyle y Erik Menéndez on his father’s side, Jose Menendez. One of the most striking testimonies is that of Roy Rosselloformer member of the Latin pop group Slightwho stated that José drugged and raped him when he was a teenager.
The rehabilitative conduct of the Menéndez brothers in prison is key to the reevaluation of their sentence (AP)
These new testimonies have generated a groundswell of support for the brothers, especially within their own family, and have reinforced the narrative that abuse was a key factor behind the murders. “This step gives us all hope that the truth will be heard and Lyle y Erik “They are going to begin the healing process,” said a family member at a press conference in Los Angeles.
Despite the media resurgence and the support of many relatives, the Menéndez family is not united in its position on the possible release of the brothers. Milton Andersenbrother of Kitty Menéndezhas expressed disagreement with reopening the case, maintaining that the original sentence should remain intact. His lawyer stated: “He believes there was no abuse. “He believes the reason was pure greed, because they had just found out that they were going to be excluded from the will.”
This point of view contrasts with that of other family members, such as Joan Andersen VanderMolensister of Kitty Menéndez, who has stated that the crimes committed by her nephews were a desperate response to the abuse they suffered. “It became clear that his actions – although tragic – were the desperate response of two young men trying to survive their father’s unspeakable cruelty,” said Joan Andersen.
The court will decide in November 2024 whether to modify the sentence to one that includes conditional release for the Menéndez brothers (Credits: Netflix)
Following the recommendation of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office to reopen the Menéndez brothers’ case, the final decision now remains in the hands of the court. The next November 26 In 2024, a more definitive judicial hearing is scheduled, in which the judge will evaluate whether the sentence of life sentence without possibility of parole must be modified to include the possibility of probation. Despite the strong recommendation of the prosecution, George Gascon made it clear that it will be the court that decides the final fate of Lyle y Erik Menéndez. “There will be members of my office who will not agree and I urge them to go to court to express their opinion,” said prosecutor Gascón during a press conference.
If the court accepts the prosecutor’s request and decides to reopen the case, the brothers could be sentenced to a new sentence of 50 years or life sentencebut with the possibility of leaving under certain conditions, depending on their behavior and rehabilitation. This result could mean that the brothers, now 55 and 52 years old, have the opportunity to obtain parole in the near future, something that was not contemplated in his original sentence.
