Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon has announced that his office is reviewing the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 for killing their parents in 1989. The brothers claimed self-defense, citing years of abuse by their parents, but prosecutors argued they were motivated by fear of being cut off financially. Gascon is reviewing evidence in the case, with a hearing scheduled for Nov. 29 on the brothers’ petition to have their conviction vacated. Their attorneys have also requested for them to be resentenced, and Gascon stated he is keeping an open mind about the case.
Recently, new attention has been given to the Menendez case in both the courts and pop culture. A Peacock docuseries in 2023 revealed allegations of sexual abuse by their father, which could challenge the prosecution’s argument that the murders were motivated by money. The defense has argued that the brothers acted out of an honest but unreasonable belief in self-defense after a lifetime of abuse. The district attorney’s office will file a response to the defense motion by Nov. 26. Additionally, Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has brought renewed interest in the case, leading Kim Kardashian to visit the brothers in prison and advocate for their freedom.
Kardashian described Lyle and Erik Menendez as kind, intelligent, and honest men in a personal essay advocating for their release. She pointed out flaws in their trial, including limited evidence of abuse allowed in court and public misperceptions about male victims in the 1990s. Kardashian noted that the brothers have earned multiple degrees, worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals, and been mentors in college programs. Film producer Scott Budnick, who works with Kardashian on criminal justice reform, stated that the brothers have shown accountability and responsibility for their crime, emphasizing their humility and dedication to helping others.
The defense team for the Menendez brothers has called for consideration of new evidence, including revelations of sexual abuse by their father and a letter by Erik Menendez detailing long-term abuse. This evidence challenges the prosecution’s argument that the murders were financially motivated. Gascon’s office is reviewing the case and has a hearing scheduled for the brothers’ petition to have their conviction vacated. The Netflix series and Peacock docuseries have reignited interest in the case, with Kardashian meeting with the brothers in prison and advocating for their release based on their personal growth and dedication to helping others.
Despite being convicted of killing their parents in 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez have always claimed self-defense, citing years of abuse by their parents. Attorneys and family members corroborated the abuse allegations during their trial, but prosecutors argued that the brothers were motivated by fear of being cut off financially. Gascon’s office is currently reviewing the case, with a hearing scheduled for Nov. 29 on the brothers’ petition to have their conviction vacated due to new evidence. The recent attention given to the case in pop culture and the courts has sparked renewed interest in the Menendez brothers and their quest for justice and redemption.
