New Court Hearing for Menendez Brothers Set for November 29
A new hearing has been scheduled for Erik and Lyle Menendez on November 29, 2024, over 28 years after their conviction for the murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. The Los Angeles District Attorney, George Gascón, announced the development following the discovery of new evidence suggesting the brothers were allegedly molested by their father.
New Evidence of Alleged Molestation
Gascón revealed that new evidence has come to light, including a letter reportedly written by one of the Menendez brothers to a family member, which mentions being a victim of molestation. Additionally, a member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, Roy Rosselló, has alleged that José Menendez molested him. These claims are under review but have not been verified.
The district attorney emphasized the ethical obligation to reassess the case, noting that had this evidence been presented during the original trial, it could have influenced the jury’s decision.
Potential Impact on Resentencing
The new evidence could lead to a retrial or resentencing for the brothers. Although Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996, Gascón stated that the brothers have “paid their dues to society” and that the court must consider whether this new information could alter their sentencing.
The Menendez Brothers’ Defense
Erik and Lyle Menendez have consistently claimed that they killed their parents out of fear for their lives after years of alleged physical and sexual abuse by their father, José Menendez. They were tried separately at first, but both trials ended in deadlock. A joint trial later resulted in their conviction. Despite various appeals, their sentences have been upheld until now.
Popularity of Netflix’s Monsters and Public Reaction
The hearing announcement comes just two weeks after the release of Monsters, a Netflix series that dramatizes the Menendez brothers’ story. The show quickly became a hit, drawing 19.5 million views in its first full week of streaming. However, the series has also attracted criticism, with the Menendez family condemning its portrayal as inaccurate and sensationalized.
Erik Menendez, from prison, issued a statement calling the series “grotesque” and accusing creator Ryan Murphy of character assassination, particularly in the show’s depiction of the brothers’ relationship, which some have found controversial.
Possible Next Steps
As the hearing approaches, the case remains under review by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. The potential for a retrial or resentencing hinges on the court’s evaluation of the newly presented evidence and its impact on the original conviction.
