LA prosecutors to review new evidence in Menendez brothers' case, including letter corroborating abuse allegations. (Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors in Los Angeles are reviewing new evidence in the case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion more than 35 years ago, the city’s district attorney said Thursday.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said during a news conference that attorneys for Erik Menendez, 53, and his 56-year-old brother, Lyle Menendez, have asked a court to vacate their conviction.
Gascón said his office will review new evidence and also decide whether the case should be considered for resentencing. A hearing was scheduled for Nov. 29.
Related Story: Fresno Man Arrested in Fatal Shooting on East Floradora Avenue
New Evidence Includes Letter from Erik Menendez
The new evidence presented in a petition includes a letter written by Erik Menendez that his attorneys say corroborates the allegations that he was sexually abused by his father.
Gascón said his office had not yet made any decisions and did not know the “validity” of what was presented at the trial.
“We will evaluate all of it,” he said.
Gascón, who is seeking reelection, noted that more than 300 people have been resentenced during his term, and only four have gone on to commit a crime again.
Related Story: California Man Arrested in Courthouse Explosion Planned to Kill Deputies, ...
Netflix Documentary Sparks Renewed Interest
The case has gained new attention in recent weeks after Netflix began streaming “The Menendez Brothers” documentary series.
In a statement on X posted by his wife, Erik Menendez called the show a “dishonest portrayal” of what happened that has taken them back to a time when prosecutors “built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experience rape trauma differently from women.”
Brothers Claim Self-Defense in Parents’ Murder
The brothers were given life sentences for fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.
Lyle, who was then 21, and Erik, then 18, admitted they fatally shot-gunned their entertainment executive father and their mother, but said they feared their parents were about to kill them to prevent the disclosure of the father’s long-term sexual molestation of Erik.
Prosecutors contended there was no evidence of any molestation. They said the sons were after their parents’ multimillion-dollar estate.
Jurors rejected a death sentence in favor of life without parole.
RELATED TOPICS:
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Issac Raymond Lisaola
2 hours ago
Zelenskyy Calls Oval Office Spat With Trump ‘Regrettable,’ Is Ready to Work for Peace
2 hours ago
CHP Blames Drug Use, Speeding for Fiery Cybertruck Crash That Killed 3
2 hours ago
LA Kings Apologize for Selling Scarves Made in Turkey on Armenian Night
2 hours ago
California Juvenile Detention Officers Staged ‘Gladiator Fights’ Between Youth, Indictment Says
3 hours ago
Wall Street’s Losing Streak Deepens as Trump’s Tariffs Kick In
3 hours ago
How to Watch the First Joint Address to Congress of Trump’s Second Term
3 hours ago
The Lakers and LeBron Revel in What the Luka Trade Did for Their Title Hopes
2 hours ago
Categories

The Lakers and LeBron Revel in What the Luka Trade Did for Their Title Hopes

Stephen Curry Scores 21 in Homecoming Game to Lift Warriors Past Hornets

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Issac Raymond Lisaola
