The Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents almost thirty years ago, may be resentenced and possibly released. Their extended family is expected to gather outside a Los Angeles courthouse for a news conference where they will be joined by defense lawyer Mark Geragos and celebrity advocate Rosie O’Donnell. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said his office was reviewing the case, but a decision has not been made. The brothers, Erik and Lyle Menendez, are cautiously optimistic about the prosecutors’ review.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were found guilty in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The case gained national attention for the sensational nature of the crime. The brothers claim they were subjected to years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by their father, which their lawyers argued led them to act in self-defense. However, the prosecution painted a different picture, accusing them of killing their parents for money and going on a spending spree after the murders. Despite the attention the case received, the brothers were not able to introduce most of their abuse claims during the trial.
The Menendez case has received renewed interest recently due to the release of a Netflix miniseries and documentary that explore the brothers’ claims of abuse and the events leading up to the murders. Celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell and Kim Kardashian have also rallied behind the brothers, advocating for their release. Kardashian, in a personal essay shared with NBC News, stated that she had spent time with the brothers and did not believe they were monsters. While public opinion may be in favor of the Menendez brothers, ultimately, the decision lies with the courts.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, who was elected on a reformist platform, has been working to ensure fair sentencing practices. He mentioned that over 300 people have been resentenced during his term, with only four of them going on to commit crimes again. However, Gascón’s challenger, Nathan Hochman, is currently leading in the polls. Despite the support from celebrities and public opinion, the Menendez brothers’ fate will ultimately be decided by the judicial system. Laurie Levenson, a professor specializing in criminal cases, noted that while public support can sway opinions, the court is where the final decision will be made.
