Studying Time: 3 minutes
As lately as October, it seemed like Erik and Lyle Menendez would quickly be launched from jail.
However the brothers’ fortunes modified when newly elected California DA Nathan Hochman revealed that he had no intention of granting the Menendezes a brand new trial.
Now, nonetheless, it appears to be like as if Erik and Lyle as soon as once more have motive to be hopeful. In truth, they could wind up getting launched with no resentencing listening to.
Erik Menendez and his brother Lyle hear throughout a pre-trial listening to, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the 2 pleaded harmless within the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their rich dad and mom, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. (Picture by VINCE BUCCI/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Governor Gavin Newsom enters the fray
That is primarily a parole listening to carried out with the intent of figuring out if the brothers pose an unreasonable danger to public security.
On condition that they had been locked up 35 years in the past and have reportedly been mannequin prisoners for the whole thing of that point, it will most likely work out in Erik and Lyle’s favor.
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters within the spin room following the CNN Presidential Debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump on the McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Institute of Expertise campus on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Picture by Andrew Harnik/Getty Photos)
Hochman expresses doubts about new proof
The push for a brand new trial is the results of each renewed public curiosity within the case — prompted, partly, by Ryan Murphy’s current Netflix restricted sequence about Erik and Lyle — and new proof suggesting that the brothers had been molested by their father.
Probably the most compelling new growth is the emergence of a letter written in 1988 that appears to incriminate Jose Menendez, who — together with spouse Kitty — was gunned down by his sons the next yr.
However Hochman says he doubts the authenticity of the letter.
Erik Menendez and his brother Lyle are pictured, on August 12, 1991 in Beverly Hills. (Picture by MIKE NELSON/AFP by way of Getty Photos)
“[The letter was] never discussed in any of the two trials,” Hochman stated.
“We believe it’s inconceivable … and defies common sense, that if they had evidence that would show that sexual abuse had been communicated not just six years before the events, but nine months before the 1989 killings, then it would have absolutely come out.”
A bunch of Menendez family members who’ve been advocating for the brothers’ launch have delayed their press convention that had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
We’ll hold you up to date on this growing story as new data turns into obtainable.