Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has announced plans to seek resentencing for Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.
This decision could pave the way for the brothers’ potential release after decades in prison. Gascón, citing a 2018 California law that allows resentencing for individuals under 26 at the time of their crimes, will recommend that the brothers be resentenced for murder but without life sentences that exclude the possibility of parole. If a judge follows this recommendation, the brothers would be eligible for parole immediately.
The Menendez brothers were 21 and 18 when they fatally shot their parents in their Beverly Hills home. During their trials, the defence argued that the brothers acted out of fear after enduring years of sexual abuse by their father, a prominent entertainment executive.
The first trial ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury, but during the second trial, the court restricted the use of abuse allegations, leading to their convictions and life sentences without parole in 1996.
Gascón’s decision to seek resentencing comes after a review of new evidence, including a letter from one of the brothers alleging abuse and claims from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo.
Rosselló stated in a 2023 Peacock docuseries, "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed", that he was sexually assaulted by José Menendez when Menendez was an executive at RCA Records. These new claims have reignited discussions about the brothers' abuse allegations, which were central to their defence but had limited impact on their original sentencing.
While Gascón has acknowledged differing opinions within his office—some staff believe the brothers should remain in prison for life, while others support their release—he emphasized that, in his view, the Menendez brothers have paid their debt to society. However, the final decision on resentencing will rest with a judge.
This move comes at a critical time for Gascón, who is facing re-election, and could significantly impact the future of the high-profile case that has captivated public attention for decades.
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