Menendez brothers may see freedom as new evidence emerges

Judge Michael V. Jesic of the Los Angeles County Superior Court agreed to a hearing during which the brothers' sentence might be reduced from first-degree murder to manslaughter. If this happens, the brothers would be immediately released, as they have already served a sentence three times longer than the maximum penalty for this crime.

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón recommended commuting the sentence, citing new evidence. The key element is a handwritten letter from Erik to a cousin, written before the murder, in which he claims he was sexually abused by their father.

The brothers' defence attorney, Mark Geragos, also seeks a pardon from Governor Gavin Newsom, hoping their release before Thanksgiving, which falls on 28 November, will be possible.

In 1989, Erik and Lyle, sons of wealthy music producer José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, purchased shotguns and fired several shots at their parents while they were watching television in their Beverly Hills residence. Before being arrested, they spent approximately €13 million from their inheritance on luxurious travel, a sports car, Rolex watches, and other expensive purchases.

During the trial, they admitted to the killings. However, they claimed they acted in self-defence after years of domestic violence and sexual abuse by their father. In 2023, they requested a retrial based on new evidence concerning the history of their father's abuse, and a Netflix series about their family sparked additional interest in the case.

Several family members supported the brothers, calling for their release during a press conference earlier this month, just after the prosecution released Erik's letter to his cousin confirming the allegations against their father.