The family of Erik and Lyle Menendez is set to hold a news conference outside a Los Angeles courthouse as the district attorney considers a new sentence for the brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. The event is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m. PT, where family members will gather in a show of support alongside the brothers' defense attorney, Mark Geragos, and celebrity advocate Rosie O'Donnell.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón has recently presented new evidence in the Menendez case, including a letter that allegedly corroborates Erik's claims of sexual abuse by their father. This evidence could influence a review of the brothers' life sentences, which were handed down after their conviction in 1996. Gascón's office is expected to respond to the brothers' petition by November 26.
- The Menendez brothers were first tried in 1993, but the trial ended in a mistrial. They were retried in 1996, where they were convicted and sentenced to life without parole. The case gained widespread media attention, turning the brothers into notable figures in American crime history. The recent Netflix series and documentary have reignited public interest in their story, highlighting their claims of abuse and the complex nature of their defense.
- District Attorney Gascón, who was elected on a reformist platform, has stated that his office has a moral obligation to review the case. This comes amidst his campaign for reelection, where he faces criticism and competition. Legal experts suggest that while public support for the Menendez brothers may be growing, the ultimate decision will rest within the court system.
