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District attorney accelerates review of Menendez brothers’ case
Background of the Menendez brothers’ case
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón has decided to expedite his review of the Menendez brothers’ resentencing, moving up the timeline significantly. Originally planned for November 29, Gascón has now promised to reach a decision by the end of this week.
New evidence and public pressure
The decision to fast-track the review comes in light of the growing public interest and new evidence presented in the 2023 habeas corpus petition filed by Erik and Lyle Menendez. This petition brings forth previously unseen evidence, pushing for a new sentencing for the brothers. They have been serving life sentences without parole since being found guilty of the brutal 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez.
Gascón mentioned on a recent talk show appearance that the increasing public support and pressures have influenced the timing of his decision. He said, “I plan to have a decision by the end of this week, which is what I promised when inquiries started flooding in. We’ve been reviewing this case for over a year.”
The public’s role and media influence
This rapid escalation in Gascón’s timeline was significantly influenced by the renewed interest generated by media coverage and social media movements. The TikTok community and the now-popular Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story by Ryan Murphy have played a substantial role in drumming up public support. The show, along with a subsequent Netflix documentary that features rare interviews with the brothers, has put the spotlight back on this decades-old case, garnering millions of viewers globally.
Split opinions within the DA’s office
Inside the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, opinions on the potential resentencing are divided. Gascón elaborated, “There are actually two different camps in my office. Some believe the brothers should remain in prison for life, while others, convinced by claims of molestation, think they deserve relief.”
The newly discovered evidence includes a letter written by 17-year-old Erik Menendez to his cousin eight months before the murders. This letter, which was not presented during the 1990s trials, supports the brothers’ claims of ongoing abuse by their father. Additionally, an abuse allegation against José Menendez has surfaced from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. Rosselló came forward during a recent docuseries, adding yet another layer to the case.
Gascón also pointed out inconsistencies between the first and second trials. “There was significant evidence presented during the initial trial that did not make it to the second trial, where the brothers were ultimately found guilty,” he stated.
Legal proceedings and rehabilitation considerations
The crux of Gascón’s review involves assessing the newly presented evidence and considering whether the Menendez brothers can be classified as rehabilitated under California law. If they are deemed rehabilitated, they may no longer be viewed as a threat to society.
Gascón said, “Both paths—reassessing the evidence and evaluating rehabilitation—must be reviewed and approved by the court. Implicit biases, particularly concerning male rape, may also have influenced the jury’s perspective during the trials.”
This is a trial that occurred twice. Originally, the jury couldn’t come to a decision, so it hung. Then in the second trial, there was a lot of evidence that was presented in the first trial that was not presented in the second trial, and they were found guilty. There’s no question that they murdered their parents.
Family and public appeals
The Menendez brothers’ extended family and attorney have also stepped up their efforts, holding a press conference to urge Gascón to reexamine the case. Their attorney attributed the renewed public interest to Murphy’s series, which portrayed the brothers in a notably different light. “When the Murphy series aired, it repainted the brothers’ image enough to swing the public sentiment and forced a new focus on the case,” remarked the lawyer.
As Gascón’s office continues to scrutinize the new materials and public sentiment intensifies, we await to see if this push will lead to a historic shift in the fate of the Menendez brothers.
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