Erik and Lyle Menendez, two brothers who spent 34 years behind bars for the shotgun killings of their parents in 1989, are set to have a resentencing hearing on December 11. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic has scheduled the hearing after prosecutors submitted a recommendation for the brothers’ resentencing last week. The brothers were initially convicted of killing their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, and sentenced to life without parole. However, their lawyers argued that the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of emotional and sexual abuse by their father.
The brothers’ lawyers never disputed that the pair killed their parents, but claimed that they did so in response to the abuse they suffered at the hands of their father. Much of the evidence related to abuse was excluded from their second trial, which has been cited as a major factor in their resentment plea. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has recommended that the brothers be given a sentence of 50 years to life, which would make them immediately eligible for parole since they were under the age of 26 when the crime was committed.
Gascon’s recommendation was based on several factors, including the brothers’ rehabilitation in prison and their educational achievements. Both brothers have attained several degrees, and Lyle Menendez has even started a prison beautification program. Multiple generations of family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez have also pleaded for the brothers’ release, saying they deserve to be free because they were “brutalised” and sexually abused by their father.
Erik and Lyle Menendez (Image via Getty)
However, not everyone agrees with Gascon’s decision. One of the brothers’ uncles has spoken out against their release, and it is likely that those opposed to resentencing will have an opportunity to argue their case in front of the judge. Additionally, the brothers’ attorneys have filed a habeas petition, which asks for the court to examine new evidence not previously introduced at their second trial. This could potentially be another pathway to freedom for the brothers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also been reviewing the case, and mentioned it on a recent podcast. He noted that the Netflix drama, “Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” had brought attention to the case and that his team had examined Gascon’s decision. The case has sparked a lot of debate, with some arguing that the brothers are innocent and others believing that they should be punished for their crimes. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the Menendez brothers’ case will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate in the years to come.
