Menendez Brothers Closer to Freedom After DA Calls for Resentencing
After serving 34 years in prison, Erik and Lyle Menendez may have a shot at freedom.
In a surprising development, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has recommended resentencing the Menendez brothers for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez because new evidence merited a review.
Gascón proposed reducing their life sentences without parole to 50 years to life, making them eligible for immediate parole. The decision is now up to a judge, who will set a hearing date to review the resentencing recommendation. If the judge approves resentencing, the decision will then go to the parole board, with the final word resting with California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Menendez case shocked the nation when it first surfaced. At their 1993 trial, the brothers, who were just 18 and 21 at the time of the murders, claimed they acted in self-defense, citing years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by their father as the reason for the murders.
While their first trial ended in a mistrial, they were convicted in a second trial in 1996. The judge in that case ruled out much of the brothers' abuse testimony, focusing instead on the prosecution's argument that Erik and Lyle killed for financial gain.
New evidence, however, has brought fresh scrutiny. Gascón’s decision was partly based on a letter from Erik to a family member, written before the murders, where he described the alleged abuse by his father.
Roy Rosselló, a former member of the 1980s band Menudo, has publicly claimed he was also abused by Jose Menendez, who was then an RCA executive.
Gascón’s office has spent weeks reviewing this evidence, ultimately deciding it warranted a reassessment of the Menendez brothers' sentencing.
Menedez brothers family members speak out about their opinions of the potential resentencing
Family members, including Anamaria Baralt, Jose’s niece, have rallied in support of the brothers’ release, arguing they’ve endured enough punishment and deserve a second chance.
"Today is a day filled with hope for our family," Baralt said.
Another relative stated that the brothers’ actions were a “desperate response” to years of trauma, adding that society’s understanding of abuse has evolved since their conviction.
While some family members support their release, others disagree. Kitty Menendez's brother, Milton Andersen, firmly opposes the resentencing, accusing Gascón of using the case to gain political leverage as he faces a re-election battle. His attorney argued that the Menendez brothers' motive was “pure greed” and expressed doubt about the validity of the abuse claims.
Gascón acknowledged the mixed opinions within his office on the resentencing decision but remained firm, stating that the brothers “have paid their debt to society.” However, legal experts warn this controversial case will likely spark further debate, as it highlights the complexities of criminal justice, family trauma, and evolving views on abuse.
