The infamous Menendez Brother’s case is subject to being reconsidered by Los Angeles court officials three decades later.
Lyle (21) and Erik(18) Menendez were convicted in 1996 for killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. They were charged with life without parole, and have been in prison ever since their conviction.
The fire being reignited under this case is not just from the buzz in the media, but in Los Angeles attorney offices as well. They are re-evaluating evidence regarding why the brothers killed their parents. LA District Attorney George Gascon said his office “increasingly became concerned that it was critical that we reviewed the new evidence.”
During the trial in the 90s, evidence was put forth by the defense that attested there were instances of sexual abuse towards the Menendez brothers by their father, and neglect from their mother. In the trial, the Menendez’s claimed that their motive for killing their parents was self-defense. The jury however did not believe them, and called it “the abuse excuse”.
In May 2024, new evidence was cited, including a letter that Erik Menendez sent to his cousin when he was 13. In this letter, he is claiming to be repeatedly molested by his father. Along with that evidence, in May 2023, a former member of the Puerto Rican band Menudo, came forward and claimed to have been sexually abused by Jose Menendez.
The brother’s admitted to killing their parents, but Gascon believes the court has a “moral and ethical obligation” to review the evidence being put forth. In an interview with CNN Gascon said, “there is no question that our sensitivity to sexual assault is much more significant today.”
The professionals are not the only ones concerned about the changes in this case, but an there is an overwhelming demand from social media as well. Heavily due to the new Netflix series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”, people are starting to wonder who the real victims are.
A hearing was set for Nov. 29 to review the petition regarding this controversial case.
