Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon announced that his office is reviewing the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 for killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The defense during their trial claimed that the brothers had killed their parents in self-defense after years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, which was corroborated by family members. Prosecutors, however, argued that the privileged young men committed the murders out of fear of being cut off financially. Gascon stated that his office is reviewing evidence in the case, and a hearing is scheduled for Nov. 29 on the brothers’ petition to have their conviction vacated due to new evidence.
The Menendez brothers’ case has recently seen new attention in both the courts and pop culture. The Peacock docuseries, “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed,” included a bombshell revelation by former boy band member Roy Rosselló that he had been raped by Jose Menendez, the brothers’ father. Attorneys for the Menendez brothers are asking the judge to consider this new evidence, as well as a letter by Erik Menendez detailing long-term sexual abuse by his father. The defense argues that this evidence, if presented to a jury, could challenge the prosecutors’ argument that the murders were motivated by money. Gascon’s office will file its response to the defense motion by Nov. 26.
The release of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has also brought new attention to the case. Kim Kardashian visited the brothers in prison and advocated for their freedom in a personal essay to NBC News, describing them as kind, intelligent, and honest men. Kardashian highlighted the various issues with their trial, including limited evidence of abuse being allowed in court and public misperceptions about male victims in the 1990s. She noted that the brothers have earned multiple college degrees, worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals, and have been mentors in college programs, committed to giving back to others.
Kardashian’s advocacy for the Menendez brothers has been part of her criminal justice reform work with film producer Scott Budnick, founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. Budnick stated that the Netflix series portrayed the brothers as arrogant rich kids at the time of the crimes but highlighted that they have since become humble, accountable, and responsible individuals. He described them as giving back to the community, helping and tutoring others, and mentoring people. The reality star, who is studying for the bar, mentioned that the brothers are not monsters and stressed the need for a reconsideration of their case, given the new evidence that has come to light.
Gascon’s announcement of reviewing the Menendez brothers’ case comes as he faces reelection. The brothers’ attorneys have petitioned for their conviction to be vacated and for them to be resentenced. Gascon emphasized that he is keeping an open mind and not leaning in any direction at the moment. With the new evidence and attention the case has received recently, there is a renewed effort to reconsider the circumstances surrounding the Menendez brothers’ murders of their parents in 1989. Gascon’s office will continue to review the evidence and respond to the defense motion before the scheduled hearing date. The case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system, abuse dynamics, and the potential for reassessment of past convictions based on new information.
