LA DA Announces Decision on Potential Resentencing of Menendez Brothers

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced a significant decision on Thursday regarding the potential resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have been serving two consecutive life prison terms without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. District Attorney George Gascón held a press conference to reveal his office’s recommendation, which comes after a thorough evaluation of new evidence and renewed public interest in the case sparked by recent Netflix projects.

The Menendez brothers were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996, following highly publicized trials that captured the nation’s attention. The defense argued that the brothers acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse by their father, while prosecutors alleged the killings were motivated by financial gain. The second trial excluded much of the evidence related to the alleged abuse, leading to the brothers’ conviction and life sentences.

New evidence, including a letter written by Erik Menendez to a cousin detailing his alleged abuse and a sworn declaration from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo who claimed to have been molested by José Menendez, has been central to the resentencing consideration. The brothers’ legal team filed a habeas corpus petition last year, seeking to reevaluate their conviction and sentence in light of this new evidence.

Family members of the Menendez brothers have been vocal in their support for resentencing, describing the brothers’ actions as a desperate response to the abuse they suffered. Joan VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez’s sister, emphasized that the brothers were “children who were subjected to the most horrific brutality” and argued that their continued incarceration serves no rehabilitative purpose.

Gascón’s decision will now go to a judge, who will make the final determination regarding the brothers’ case. A hearing is scheduled for November 26 to evaluate whether the defendants were subjected to psychological or physical abuse, their level of rehabilitation, and if they pose a threat to society.

The case has garnered significant attention recently due to the release of the Netflix drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and a documentary featuring the brothers discussing the events leading to the homicides. This renewed interest has helped speed up the decision-making process, according to Gascón.