News: The Menendez brothers may be released after a new review of the case
7 november 2024 в 20:37
Monsters: The story of Lyle and Erik Menendez has drawn attention to the case of the Menendez brothers. The brothers have been in prison since 1996 for the murder of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise «Kitty» Menendez, whom they accused of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
With a new generation reexamining their story with fresh eyes, Lyle and Erik have been given the opportunity to have their sentence reviewed and possibly be released in the near future. HollywoodLife has gathered all the latest details and updates on their incarceration below.
In August 1989, Lyle and Erik shot their parents multiple times. The crime scene was gruesome, as Jose was shot six times, and Kitty was shot ten times. The brothers were criticized for living a lavish lifestyle in the months following their parents' deaths. Erik eventually confessed to the murders to his therapist, Jerome Oziel, who confided in his then-girlfriend, Judalon Smyth. She reported the involvement of Lyle and Erik in the crime to the police, and they were arrested in 1990.
After a trial with a jury, Lyle and Erik were officially convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lyle and Erik were sent to different prisons in California after the sentencing. Both are still alive and have expressed their views on their case in the new Netflix documentary «The Menendez Brothers», - which was released on October 7, 2024.
The brothers were in different prisons until 2018, when Lyle was transferred to Richard Donovan Prison. Although they were initially in different blocks of the prison, Lyle and Erik were placed in the same block in 2018. This was the first time the brothers had met in 22 years. According to many sources, Lyle and Erik were not allowed to talk to each other on the phone until their meeting.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in late September, Lyle and Erik may receive new sentences due to a habeas corpus petition. Although they had previously appealed their sentences, new circumstances have emerged, including allegations of sexual abuse against their father, Jose, by former Menudo group member Roy Rossello. Additionally, new evidence has emerged indicating that Jose may have abused both of his sons.
In October 2024, Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascon confirmed that a new court hearing has been scheduled for Lyle and Erik. According to Variety, the hearing is set for November 29, 2024.
At a press conference, the prosecutor stated: «We have been provided with a photocopy of a letter that was allegedly sent by one of the brothers to another family member, where he talks about being a victim of abuse. We also have evidence provided by the defense, their attorneys, that one of the Menudo group members claimed that he was abused by the father».
Gascon filed a motion on October 30 in support of the Menendez brothers' request for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom. In a statement, he expressed: «I strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. They have served 34 years and continue their education, working on programs that support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates».
Describing the brothers as «model prisoners», - Gascon told CNN that he believes there is a high likelihood that they will be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. One of the brothers' attorneys expressed hope that they will be able to return home by Thanksgiving.
However, Gascon is no longer the county prosecutor. He has been replaced by Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor. Hochman told CNN on Wednesday that he will need time to review the case before taking a position on the sentence review. Hochman takes office on December 2, and a
With a new generation reexamining their story with fresh eyes, Lyle and Erik have been given the opportunity to have their sentence reviewed and possibly be released in the near future. HollywoodLife has gathered all the latest details and updates on their incarceration below.
In August 1989, Lyle and Erik shot their parents multiple times. The crime scene was gruesome, as Jose was shot six times, and Kitty was shot ten times. The brothers were criticized for living a lavish lifestyle in the months following their parents' deaths. Erik eventually confessed to the murders to his therapist, Jerome Oziel, who confided in his then-girlfriend, Judalon Smyth. She reported the involvement of Lyle and Erik in the crime to the police, and they were arrested in 1990.
After a trial with a jury, Lyle and Erik were officially convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lyle and Erik were sent to different prisons in California after the sentencing. Both are still alive and have expressed their views on their case in the new Netflix documentary «The Menendez Brothers», - which was released on October 7, 2024.
The brothers were in different prisons until 2018, when Lyle was transferred to Richard Donovan Prison. Although they were initially in different blocks of the prison, Lyle and Erik were placed in the same block in 2018. This was the first time the brothers had met in 22 years. According to many sources, Lyle and Erik were not allowed to talk to each other on the phone until their meeting.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in late September, Lyle and Erik may receive new sentences due to a habeas corpus petition. Although they had previously appealed their sentences, new circumstances have emerged, including allegations of sexual abuse against their father, Jose, by former Menudo group member Roy Rossello. Additionally, new evidence has emerged indicating that Jose may have abused both of his sons.
In October 2024, Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascon confirmed that a new court hearing has been scheduled for Lyle and Erik. According to Variety, the hearing is set for November 29, 2024.
At a press conference, the prosecutor stated: «We have been provided with a photocopy of a letter that was allegedly sent by one of the brothers to another family member, where he talks about being a victim of abuse. We also have evidence provided by the defense, their attorneys, that one of the Menudo group members claimed that he was abused by the father».
Gascon filed a motion on October 30 in support of the Menendez brothers' request for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom. In a statement, he expressed: «I strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. They have served 34 years and continue their education, working on programs that support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates».
Describing the brothers as «model prisoners», - Gascon told CNN that he believes there is a high likelihood that they will be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. One of the brothers' attorneys expressed hope that they will be able to return home by Thanksgiving.
However, Gascon is no longer the county prosecutor. He has been replaced by Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor. Hochman told CNN on Wednesday that he will need time to review the case before taking a position on the sentence review. Hochman takes office on December 2, and a
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