Erik and Lyle Menéndez’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, expressed optimism that the brothers could be released before Thanksgiving as Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón recommended a resentencing for the brothers due to new evidence related to their convictions for the murder of their parents in 1989. If the recommendation is accepted, Erik and Lyle would be eligible for parole immediately, as they were under 26 years old at the time of the murders. Geragos spoke at a press conference alongside members of the Menéndez family, thanking the D.A. for his decision and calling it a monumental victory.
The Menéndez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996, but Geragos filed for an appeal in 2023 based on new evidence, which included allegations of sexual assault against their father and a letter from Erik describing the abuse before the murders. Gascón’s recommendation now awaits the judge’s approval, and if a parole hearing is scheduled, the family members will speak in support of bringing the brothers home. Geragos emphasized that enough is enough and urged for their release, believing that they have served their debt to society and can be safely reintegrated into society.
The release of Netflix’s limited series about the brothers, along with a documentary, has brought renewed interest in the Menéndez case. Cooper Koch, who portrayed Erik in the series, expressed gratitude and hope for the progress made towards the brothers’ potential release. Kardashian, a criminal justice reform activist, also praised the D.A.’s recommendation and highlighted the importance of media attention in exposing abuse and injustices within the case. She emphasized the evolving societal understanding of child abuse and the power of social media in questioning existing systems and seeking justice.
The decision regarding the Menéndez brothers’ resentencing will ultimately be made by the judge handling the case and may lead to a parole hearing where their family members will advocate for their release. Gascón’s recommendation, if accepted, could lead to Erik and Lyle being released after decades behind bars. Kardashian and Koch, who have met the brothers in prison and have been vocal supporters of their case, believe that the media’s focus and public outcry have been instrumental in shedding light on the injustices faced by the brothers. The case serves as an example of the importance of challenging decisions and seeking the truth, even when guilt is not in question, highlighting the power of advocating for justice and reform in the criminal justice system.
