LOS ANGELES (Court TV) — The Menendez brothers may soon have a life outside of prison — thanks to encouragement from an unlikely source.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, center, arrives at a news conference at the Hall of Justice on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Thursday that he would recommend that Lyle and Erik Menendez be resentenced for the brutal murders of their parents. The brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996.
“You see two very young people; one was 19 and one was 21 when they committed these horrible acts,” Gascón said. “I want to underline the word horrible acts. There is no excuse for murder, and I will never imply that what we’re doing here is an excuse for behavior.”
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Gascón acknowledged that not everyone in his office agrees with his recommendation, saying some still believe the brothers should stay in prison for the rest of their lives. “I believe they have paid their debt to society,” said Gascón, who will ask the court to allow the men to be released on parole immediately.
Explaining the timing of the announcement, Gascón said that his office was overwhelmed by requests for information about the case after Netflix released a documentary.
FILE – Erik Menendez, center, listens to his attorney Leslie Abramson, as his brother Lyle looks on in Beverly Hills, California, May 17, 1991. (AP Photo/Julie Markes, File)
A judge will ultimately be charged with making the decision as to whether the brothers will be eligible for parole.
During their first trial in 1993, both brothers testified they killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, because they feared for their lives after suffering years of sexual abuse at their hands. Prosecutors argued they killed their parents to gain access to their $14 million inheritance. Following a second trial, they were found guilty on March 20, 1996.
MORE | Judge sets date for resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez
Earlier this month, Gascón announced his office was looking into new evidence in the case, including a letter Erik sent his cousin, Andy Cano, eight months before the murders that his attorneys say proved he was sexually abused by Jose. The office is also reviewing rape allegations against Jose by ex-Menudo member Roy Rosselló.
Family members of the Menendez brothers held a press conference last week calling for their release.
Watch the full trial of California v. Erik and Lyle Menendez (1993)
