California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation records or official announcements

Family Urges DA Gascón to Resentence Menendez Brothers Amid New Abuse Evidence

Oct 16, 2024, 01:52 PM

Family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez are advocating for the brothers' release as the Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón, reviews new evidence in their case. The brothers, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, have served over three decades in prison. The new evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin, Andy Cano, in which he allegedly detailed sexual abuse by their father, José Menendez, months before the killings. Nearly two dozen relatives, along with their attorney Mark Geragos and supporter Rosie O'Donnell, held a press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday to urge the district attorney to recommend resentencing. The family launched the 'Justice for Erik and Lyle' coalition and asserts that the brothers were victims of long-term abuse and have already paid for their crimes. The brothers are reportedly 'cautiously optimistic' about the review.