In Los Angeles County, the district attorney has proposed a resentencing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were found guilty of the brutal murders of their parents back in 1989. After being incarcerated for over three decades, the brothers may now find a possible avenue toward freedom.
The shocking murder case unfolded on August 20, 1989, when Jose and Kitty Menendez were shot to death in their luxurious Beverly Hills home. Following the crime, it was Lyle Menendez who made the 911 call, initially suggesting that the killings might be linked to the Mafia or his father’s business dealings. However, shortly thereafter, the brothers engaged in extravagant spending, purchasing luxury items like Rolex watches and high-end cars. A pivotal moment came two months later when Erik revealed to his psychologist, Jerome Oziel, that he and Lyle were responsible for their parents’ deaths, leading to their eventual arrests.
The case drew significant public intrigue, particularly coming on the heels of the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, capturing the nation’s fascination with true crime stories. The trial of the Menendez brothers gained notoriety, being one of the first to receive near-total television coverage on Court TV, which set off a wave of documentaries and dramatizations, including the Netflix series “Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and the upcoming documentary slated for release in the fall of 2024.
Why did the trials occur in two phases? The brothers faced their first trial in 1993, each with separate juries. Prosecutors maintained that the brothers killed their parents for monetary gains. The defense, on the other hand, acknowledged the killings but asserted that the brothers acted in self-defense after enduring years of emotional and sexual abuse from their father. The outcome of the first trial was a deadlock, with juries unable to reach a consensus on the murder versus manslaughter charges.
The second trial took place in 1995, where significant evidence from the first trial was barred from being presented, including testimonies from family members regarding the abuse. Prosecutors reinforced their stance that no abuse took place, leading to convictions for first-degree murder among other charges, with both brothers receiving life sentences in 1996.
The journey through the appeals process has been tumultuous for the Menendez brothers. Their efforts to overturn the convictions were met with repeated setbacks, first with denials from both an appellate court and the California Supreme Court in 1998. Attempting to pursue their claims in federal court also resulted in rejections, including a failed appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2005, after which they resigned to the belief they would spend their lives in prison.
However, new evidence has recently surfaced that could bolster their case. In 2015, the brothers learned of a previously unknown letter written by Erik Menendez to his uncle that had been referenced during a Barbara Walters special. Upon investigation, their attorneys discovered that this letter had not been admitted as evidence during the original trials. They believe it supports claims of Erik’s sexual abuse by his father. Furthermore, a recent testimony from Roy Rossello, a former member of the pop group Menudo, alleges that he too was abused by Jose Menendez, which led to the filing of a new habeas corpus petition in May 2023 that seeks a fresh examination of the case.
Los Angeles County’s current district attorney, George Gascón, has suggested a revised sentence of 50 years to life for the brothers. Notably, as they were under 26 when the crimes occurred, they could qualify for immediate parole under a law established in 2018. Gascón emphasized considering the brothers’ potential for rehabilitation, highlighting their academic accomplishments and community contributions, including a prison beautification initiative initiated by Lyle. The low-risk assessment scores recorded for both brothers further bolstered the case for reconsideration.
Gascón acknowledged that had the trial occurred today, understanding of the impact of childhood abuse would influence the proceedings significantly. The brothers enjoy substantial family support, with many advocating for their release, although one uncle remains opposed to their freedom.
The next phase involves a review of the resentencing petition by a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Experts warn that the process may be fraught with challenges, particularly as dissent exists within Gascón’s office and familial opposition could also arise during the judicial consideration. If the request is granted, the brothers would still need the California state parole board to approve their release, followed by a 150-day review period by Governor Gavin Newsom before any final decisions can be made.