Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is set to announce his decision on whether to recommend resentencing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents over 30 years ago. Gascón had previously mentioned that he would review the case and make a decision by the end of October, but now plans to do so by the end of this week.
The announcement is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. PT in Los Angeles. A judge will have the final say on the brothers' case, with a hearing scheduled for November 26.
The defense petition for resentencing cites new evidence and a recent California law that allows the court to consider sentences in comparable cases, as well as factors such as psychological or physical abuse suffered by the defendants, their rehabilitation, and their potential danger to society.
The Menendez brothers were arrested in 1990 for the fatal shooting of their parents in Beverly Hills. During their trials, they argued self-defense due to alleged lifelong abuse by their father. The first trial ended in a mistrial, while the second trial resulted in their conviction and life sentences in 1996.
Recently, new evidence, including a sworn statement by a former Menudo band member alleging sexual assault by Jose Menendez, has been presented. The defense seeks to vacate the conviction or have an evidentiary hearing to provide proof.
The case has gained renewed attention following the release of a Netflix series and documentary on the Menendez brothers. Gascón, campaigning for reelection on a sentencing reform platform, noted changing attitudes towards victims of abuse.
Relatives of the brothers have made emotional pleas for their release, emphasizing the alleged abuse they endured as children. Joan VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez's sister, described the brothers' actions as a response to their father's cruelty and called for understanding of the trauma they faced.
