The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will review new evidence in the case of the Menéndez brothers, who were found guilty of murdering their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion over 35 years ago. District Attorney George Gascón said attorneys for Erik Menéndez, 53, and his 56-year-old brother, Lyle Menéndez, have asked a court to vacate their convictions. Gascón will review new evidence and decide whether the case should be considered for resentencing, The Guardian reports. A hearing was scheduled for November 29. The new evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menéndez that his attorneys say corroborates the allegations that he was sexually abused by his father.
Gascón said his office did not know the “validity” of what was presented at the trial. Lyle, who was then 21, and Erik, then 18, were given life sentences for fatally shooting their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, in 1989. The brothers admitted they fatally shot their father, an entertainment executive, and their mother, but said they feared their parents were about to kill them to prevent the disclosure of the father’s long-term sexual molestation of Erik. Prosecutors argued the sons had been after their parents’ multimillion-dollar estate, and said there was no evidence of molestation. Jurors rejected a death sentence in favor of life without parole. The case has received renewed attention, particularly on TikTok, where supporters argued the brothers did not receive a fair trial and have advocated for their release. In 2023, a member of the boy band Menudo said that José Menéndez had sexually abused him, allegations that were included in the brothers' petition.
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