New Evidence in Menendez Brothers’ Murder Case Under Review
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on October 3, 2024, that his office is reviewing new evidence in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989. The brothers have served nearly 35 years in prison and have maintained that they killed their parents out of self-defense due to alleged long-term sexual and physical abuse.
The new evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menendez to a cousin in 1988, which allegedly corroborates his claims of being sexually abused by their father, Jose Menendez. Additionally, a former member of the boy band Menudo has come forward with allegations that Jose Menendez drugged and raped him as a teenager in the 1980s.
Gascón emphasized that while the office believes the brothers were the murderers, they have a moral and ethical obligation to review the new evidence. This review could potentially lead to resentencing or even a new trial. A hearing is scheduled for November 29, 2024, to discuss the case further.
The case has gained renewed attention due to a Netflix series, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” which has sparked debate about how sexual abuse was handled during the original trial. Gascón noted that today’s understanding of sexual and physical abuse would likely treat such allegations with more sensitivity.
