«Menendez Brothers: News of Possible Release in 2025»
21 february 2025 в 19:13
In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez, then 21 and 18 years old, caused a huge sensational trial after the brutal murder of their parents in their mansion in Beverly Hills.
This case has become relevant again in recent years due to renewed interest, largely thanks to Ryan Murphy’s series «Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story», - followed by a Netflix documentary film including previously unpublished phone call recordings between the brothers and director Alejandro Hartman.
With recent series, documentary films, and ongoing public interest, many still wonder if the Menendez brothers were released. To learn more about their case and where they are today, keep reading.
The brothers killed their parents, Jose and Mary Louise «Kitty» Menendez, in 1989 with shotguns.
After committing the crime, Lyle and Erik spent approximately $ 700,000 of their inheritance, according to Time magazine. They became suspects when Erik confessed to his psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel, during a therapy session. Oziel’s mistress, Judalon Smyth, later reported the confession to the police. Despite the usual confidentiality between doctor and patient in therapy, Oziel played a significant role in the brothers' trials, claiming they threatened his life.
Lyle and Erik were not released and remain incarcerated.
However, their case is under review, and the likelihood of a review and release is becoming increasingly probable. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in September 2024, a habeas corpus petition citing new evidence could lead to new sentences for both. The 2023 petition includes testimony from former Menudo group member Roy Rossello, who claimed he was sexually abused by the brothers' father, Jose, in the 1980s. Additionally, the petition highlights a letter Erik wrote to his cousin several months before the murders, indicating he was a victim of abuse. Former district attorney George Gascon confirmed that a new court hearing was scheduled for November 29, 2024.
Gascon also filed a petition on October 30, 2024, in support of the Menendez brothers' request for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom. Describing the brothers as «model prisoners», - Gascon told CNN that he believes there is a high likelihood they will be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. One of the brothers' attorneys expressed hope that they could return home for Thanksgiving.
However, Gascon was replaced by former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who took office on December 2. After winning the election, he stated that he would need time to review the case before making a decision on a review.
«I will need to review the confidential prison records for each brother, transcripts of both trials, and speak with prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys, and family members of the victims. Only then will I be able to make a decision. If for any reason I need additional time, I will ask the court for it», - Hochman added.
The review hearing, initially scheduled for December 11, 2024, was postponed. On November 25, 2024, Judge Hesik explained that he needed more time to review the case and wanted to give District Attorney Hochman the same opportunity. New hearing dates were set for January 30 and 31, 2025, but were again postponed.
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to return to court on March 20, 2025, for a review hearing.
Both Lyle and Erik are serving their sentences at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California. They were reunited in 2018 in prison after initially being sent to different prisons following their conviction in 1996
This case has become relevant again in recent years due to renewed interest, largely thanks to Ryan Murphy’s series «Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story», - followed by a Netflix documentary film including previously unpublished phone call recordings between the brothers and director Alejandro Hartman.
With recent series, documentary films, and ongoing public interest, many still wonder if the Menendez brothers were released. To learn more about their case and where they are today, keep reading.
The brothers killed their parents, Jose and Mary Louise «Kitty» Menendez, in 1989 with shotguns.
After committing the crime, Lyle and Erik spent approximately $ 700,000 of their inheritance, according to Time magazine. They became suspects when Erik confessed to his psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel, during a therapy session. Oziel’s mistress, Judalon Smyth, later reported the confession to the police. Despite the usual confidentiality between doctor and patient in therapy, Oziel played a significant role in the brothers' trials, claiming they threatened his life.
Lyle and Erik were not released and remain incarcerated.
However, their case is under review, and the likelihood of a review and release is becoming increasingly probable. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in September 2024, a habeas corpus petition citing new evidence could lead to new sentences for both. The 2023 petition includes testimony from former Menudo group member Roy Rossello, who claimed he was sexually abused by the brothers' father, Jose, in the 1980s. Additionally, the petition highlights a letter Erik wrote to his cousin several months before the murders, indicating he was a victim of abuse. Former district attorney George Gascon confirmed that a new court hearing was scheduled for November 29, 2024.
Gascon also filed a petition on October 30, 2024, in support of the Menendez brothers' request for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom. Describing the brothers as «model prisoners», - Gascon told CNN that he believes there is a high likelihood they will be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. One of the brothers' attorneys expressed hope that they could return home for Thanksgiving.
However, Gascon was replaced by former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who took office on December 2. After winning the election, he stated that he would need time to review the case before making a decision on a review.
«I will need to review the confidential prison records for each brother, transcripts of both trials, and speak with prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys, and family members of the victims. Only then will I be able to make a decision. If for any reason I need additional time, I will ask the court for it», - Hochman added.
The review hearing, initially scheduled for December 11, 2024, was postponed. On November 25, 2024, Judge Hesik explained that he needed more time to review the case and wanted to give District Attorney Hochman the same opportunity. New hearing dates were set for January 30 and 31, 2025, but were again postponed.
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to return to court on March 20, 2025, for a review hearing.
Both Lyle and Erik are serving their sentences at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California. They were reunited in 2018 in prison after initially being sent to different prisons following their conviction in 1996
© Kolganov Andrey
