George Gascón, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, has recommended that Erik and Lyle Menéndez be resentenced for the 1989 killings of their parents, a move that could lead to their release. During a news conference on Thursday, Gascón announced that, after reviewing new evidence in the case, he believes life sentences without the possibility of parole should be reconsidered.
Gascón stated, “After a very careful review of all the arguments made, I believe that, under the law, resentencing is appropriate.” A judge is set to make the final decision during a hearing next month.
The Menéndez brothers have maintained that they killed their parents in self-defense after enduring years of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. Prosecutors previously argued that their motives were driven by greed, as they sought to inherit their parents' multimillion-dollar fortune.
Gascón expressed his belief in the brothers’ claims of abuse, saying, “I do believe the brothers were subjected to a tremendous amount of dysfunction in the home, and molestation.” He added that after nearly 35 years in prison, they have “paid their debt to society.”
Convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, the case drew significant media attention, particularly due to its violent nature and the brothers’ unique defense. Renewed interest has emerged recently through documentaries and social media, with figures like Kim Kardashian advocating for their cause. In a recent essay, Kardashian described the complexities of the case, arguing that the brothers acted out of desperation to escape their abusive environment.
Gascón noted the positive changes in the brothers’ behavior while incarcerated, stating that they have earned college degrees and served as mentors and caregivers in prison. “Even though they didn’t think they would ever be let free, they engaged in a journey of redemption and rehabilitation,” he said.
During the press conference, cousins of the Menéndez brothers expressed their gratitude to Gascón, calling the day “filled with hope” for their family. Karen VanderMolen, Kitty Menéndez’s niece, emphasized that this decision recognizes the abuse her cousins endured.
Earlier this month, Gascón had announced a review of new evidence in the case, including a letter from Erik that allegedly corroborates his account of abuse and claims from a former member of the boy band Menudo about being sexually abused by José Menéndez. Gascón pointed out that while there is no dispute that the brothers committed the killings, the focus should be on their level of culpability given the circumstances.
The district attorney acknowledged that his office remains divided on the matter, but he emphasized the importance of considering the public interest in the case. His decision to recommend resentencing came just an hour before the press conference, reflecting the significance of this development.
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